FG FLAGS OFF RECONSTRUCTION, DUALISATION OF 56.5KM IBADAN–IJEBU-ODE ROAD

The Federal Government has commenced the reconstruction and dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, a major transport corridor expected to boost economic activities, improve security and strengthen connectivity between Oyo, Ogun and other parts of the South-West.

The project was formally flagged off at the Legacy Estate open field in Idi-Ape, Ibadan, with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, representing President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony.

President Tinubu said the road was a vital economic link connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with further connections to other parts of the South-West and Nigeria.

He said the project was designed to address longstanding infrastructure challenges and support economic growth by improving the movement of people, agricultural produce, raw materials and finished goods.

According to the President, the upgraded road would reduce travel time and transportation costs while creating employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other residents along the corridor.

He said the project would involve the construction of about 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement to guarantee durability and safety.

Tinubu disclosed that the contractor had committed to completing the project in less than 24 months, directing the company to mobilise fully to site and adhere strictly to the approved specifications and completion schedule.

He also urged communities along the route to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and other relevant agencies to facilitate the smooth execution of the project.

The President cautioned against encroachment, disruption and excessive demands that could hinder construction, stressing that the ultimate success of the project would depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Tinubu further announced that the Federal Government had approved the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, which he said would further strengthen economic links between Ogun and Oyo states.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed that the President had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road, with the procurement process already underway.

Umahi said Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being undertaken across the South-West.

He added that Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which would provide access to the major seaport being developed in Ogun State.

The minister also listed the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, noting that 258 kilometres had already been dualised, as well as the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed.

He said the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, previously abandoned, had also been revived by the Tinubu administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project, as a well-equipped indigenous construction company with experience in delivering major road projects across the country.

He appealed to residents of communities along the corridor to support the contractor and avoid actions that could delay completion.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, recalled that the road was conceived in 1965 during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to improve the connection between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

He said its reconstruction would modernise the corridor, shorten travel time and reduce road accidents.

Similarly, the member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Joseph Adegbesan, said he had advocated the reconstruction because of the road’s importance to the economic development of both Ogun and Oyo states.

Adegbesan said the corridor provided access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions, expressing appreciation to the Federal Government for responding to the demands of residents.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said the project would provide much-needed relief to residents who had endured years of travelling on the deteriorating road.

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, also recalled the impact of the road’s poor condition on communities along the route, saying its reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, said the poor state of the road had also created security concerns, with some sections becoming vulnerable to criminal activities.

He expressed optimism that the rehabilitation would help curb banditry and kidnapping along the corridor while strengthening relations between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road contract was awarded on May 5, 2026, while construction commenced on July 11, 2026. The project is scheduled for completion on June 10, 2029.