President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, linking Oyo and Ogun states, while approving the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.
The Federal Government said the projects form part of its efforts to strengthen transport infrastructure, improve economic connectivity and address critical road deficits across the South-West.
Represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, President Tinubu said the projects reflected his administration’s commitment to developing strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure with a direct impact on Nigerians.
The President described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic route connecting Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode with the Lekki economic axis, as well as other parts of the South-West and the country.
He said the project was evidence of what could be achieved when political will was matched with a commitment to improving the welfare and prosperity of citizens.
“Today, the Renewed Hope Agenda moves beyond promises into practical action through a project that will improve mobility, strengthen commerce and create new possibilities for our people,” Tinubu said.
He added that the road was too important to Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states, as well as Nigeria as a whole, to remain in poor condition.
According to the President, the upgraded road would enhance commerce and productivity, reduce transport costs and create opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other businesses.
The project will involve the construction of about 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement, which the government said would provide greater durability, safety and long-term value.
Tinubu said the contractor had committed to completing the project in less than 24 months and directed it to mobilise fully to site, comply with approved specifications and deliver within the agreed timeframe.
He also called on host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant agencies, while warning against encroachment, disruption and excessive demands that could hinder construction.
The President said the ultimate measure of the project’s success would be its effect on people’s lives, including faster movement of agricultural produce to markets, easier transportation of raw materials and finished goods, shorter travel times and improved access to employment, education and healthcare.
He also announced approval for the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, saying the project would strengthen the connection between the two major cities and stimulate economic activity across Oyo and Ogun states.
47 Federal Projects in Oyo
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, said the President had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, adding that the procurement process was already under way.
Umahi disclosed that Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being implemented across the South-West.
He also said Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which would provide access to the largest seaport currently being developed in Ogun State.
The minister highlighted other major projects in the region, including the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, of which 258 kilometres had been dualised.
He said the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road was 80 per cent complete, while the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which had previously been abandoned, had been revived by the Tinubu administration.
Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project, as one of Nigeria’s best-equipped indigenous construction companies, with a track record of delivering projects across the country.
He urged residents of communities along the corridor to support the contractor and help ensure the project was completed on schedule.
Stakeholders Welcome Project
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was conceived in 1965, during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, to connect the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
He said its reconstruction and modernisation would improve its functionality, reduce travel time and help minimise accidents along the corridor.
The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, said he had moved for the reconstruction of the road because of its importance to the socio-economic development of Oyo and Ogun states.
According to him, the route provides vital access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions. He commended the President for responding to calls from residents by awarding the reconstruction contract.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, said the project would bring relief to residents who had endured years of travelling on the deteriorated road.
He assured the Federal Government and contractor of the people’s cooperation to facilitate timely completion.
In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the poor condition of the road and its adverse effect on communities along the corridor.
He said the reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, urging residents to support the contractor.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, said the poor condition of the road had also contributed to security concerns, with some sections becoming vulnerable to criminal activities.
He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry and kidnapping while strengthening the longstanding relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
Ladoja urged the contractor to work diligently and complete the project as quickly as possible for the benefit of residents and road users.
The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road contract was awarded on 5 May 2026, with construction commencing on 11 July 2026. The project is scheduled for completion on 10 June 2029.
