Works Minister David Umahi has declared that the era of temporary repairs on the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road is over, as the Federal Government begins work on the 56.5-kilometre dualisation of the strategic corridor. Umahi made the declaration in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the flag-off of the project, describing the road as a critical economic route […]
Works Minister David Umahi has declared that the era of temporary repairs on the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road is over, as the Federal Government begins work on the 56.5-kilometre dualisation of the strategic corridor.
Umahi made the declaration in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the flag-off of the project, describing the road as a critical economic route whose transformation would improve transportation, security and commercial activities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis.
The minister said the project was not simply about laying asphalt but about creating infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and serving future generations. He said the upgraded corridor would significantly improve movement, reduce travel time and tackle security vulnerabilities associated with deteriorated portions of the road.
The dualisation, approved by the Federal Executive Council and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen the connection between Oyo and Ogun states while opening up greater opportunities for farmers, traders and businesses that depend on the route.
Umahi commended JRB Construction Limited for the work already being carried out, describing the contractor as one of the best indigenous firms handling major road projects in the country. He highlighted the extensive earthworks along the corridor, including areas where filling has reached about 40 feet.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the ceremony, said the project was an important economic link between two neighbouring states. He said the Federal Government recognised the strategic importance of the road and was determined to deliver infrastructure that would have lasting benefits.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also expressed support for the project, saying farmers and traders had endured significant hardship using the road over the years. He said the dualisation would bring economic relief and improved security to Ibadanland and surrounding communities.
But beyond the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode project, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government was turning its attention to other troubled routes, announcing that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road to engage stakeholders over the challenges affecting the corridor.
The minister said the problems on the road were linked to the government’s attempt to bring private-sector participation into road development. According to him, the concessionaire removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt before abandoning the project and closing its yard, leaving road users to suffer.
Umahi said the government would hold discussions with the independent engineer, its lawyers, the concessionaire and the Edo State Government to find a lasting solution to the situation. He assured Nigerians that the government would not ignore the difficulties being experienced on the road.
He also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, would inspect the Ifaki–Kabba Road in Ekiti and Kogi states. Umahi recalled that President Tinubu had personally raised concerns about the road in 2024 and directed the ministry to take action.
The minister said the Ifaki–Kabba project has since been redesigned and that the inspection would produce a report to be presented to President Tinubu for further action. He added that the administration was tackling critical road projects across the country as part of its infrastructure agenda.
Umahi urged Nigerians to appreciate the government’s road construction programme, insisting that projects were ongoing across all regions. He said the administration was focused on delivering roads that would provide lasting economic and social benefits rather than relying on temporary interventions.
The Ibadan ceremony concluded with the official ground-breaking of the dualisation project by Governor Dapo Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu, signalling the commencement of a major upgrade to one of the key road corridors linking the South-West’s economic centres.