Tinubu Flags Off Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road Reconstruction, Approves Abeokuta-Ibadan Dualisation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, a major highway linking Oyo and Ogun states, while approving the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta-Ibadan Road.

The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project, covering about 58 kilometres, is expected to strengthen connectivity between the two states and improve access to the Lagos economic corridor.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan on Monday, Tinubu, who was represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, said the projects formed part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address critical infrastructure deficits and improve transportation networks across the South-West.

The President described the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery linking Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with connections to other parts of the South-West and the country.

He said the reconstruction would improve mobility, facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs and create greater economic opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other businesses.

“The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to,” Tinubu said.

According to him, the project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement to improve durability, road safety and long-term value.

He disclosed that the contractor had committed to completing the project in less than 24 months, urging the company to mobilise fully to site, comply with approved specifications and deliver within the agreed timeframe.

Tinubu also called on residents and host 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.

He cautioned against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the ultimate value of the road would be measured by its impact on the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.

The President said the completed road would ease the movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, improve the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduce travel time and provide better access to employment, education and healthcare.

On the Abeokuta-Ibadan corridor, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, said Tinubu had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre road, adding that the procurement process had commenced.

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

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

The minister further highlighted other Federal Government road projects in the region, including the 1,068-kilometre Badagry-Sokoto Road, of which 258 kilometres had already been dualised.

He said the 56-kilometre Oyo-Ogbomoso Road was about 80 per cent completed, while the 34-kilometre Oyo-Ibadan Road, previously abandoned, had been resuscitated by the present administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project, as one of the best-equipped indigenous construction companies in the country and urged communities along the corridor to support the contractor.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road was conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 as a link between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

He said its reconstruction and modernisation would make the corridor more functional, reduce travel time and help minimise road crashes.

Similarly, the member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, 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.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, said the project would provide relief to residents and motorists who had endured years of travelling on the deteriorated road.

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the poor condition of the road and its impact on economic activities in communities along the route. He said its reconstruction would revive commerce, improve connectivity and reduce accidents.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, also expressed optimism that the project would improve security along the corridor, noting that the poor condition of the road had contributed to the vulnerability of some areas to criminal activities.

He urged the contractor to ensure speedy and quality execution of the project.

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