President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta-Ibadan Road as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve transportation and strengthen economic connections across the South-West.
The approval was announced alongside the flag-off of the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun states.
Represented by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun at the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan, Tinubu said the projects were designed to address major infrastructure gaps while improving movement, trade and economic activity in the region.
The President described the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor as an important economic route connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis. He said improved road infrastructure would help reduce travel and transportation costs, increase productivity and create opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other businesses.
The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project will involve the construction of about 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement. The contractor has given an assurance that the project will be completed in less than 24 months.
Tinubu urged the contractor to mobilise fully to the site, comply with approved specifications and complete the work within the agreed timeframe. He also appealed to communities along the route to cooperate with the government and contractors and avoid activities that could disrupt construction.
Abeokuta-Ibadan Road to Get Immediate Attention
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the President had directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta-Ibadan Road, with the procurement process already underway.
According to Umahi, the project is expected to improve connectivity between Abeokuta and Ibadan, while supporting commercial activities and enhancing transportation between Ogun and Oyo states.
The minister also highlighted several other Federal Government road projects in the South-West, including the Badagry-Sokoto Road, Oyo-Ogbomoso Road and the resuscitated Oyo-Ibadan Road.
He described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project, as a well-equipped indigenous construction company and called on residents of communities along the route to support the project for timely completion.
Stakeholders Welcome Road Projects
Stakeholders at the ceremony welcomed the Federal Government’s intervention, noting that the poor condition of the affected roads had contributed to longer travel times, accidents and difficulties for businesses and residents.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, recalled that the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode route was conceived decades ago as a link between the two areas. He said its reconstruction would improve mobility and strengthen economic activities along the corridor.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashid Ladoja, also expressed support for the project, noting that the poor state of the road had contributed to security concerns in some parts of the corridor.
The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and construction commenced on July 11, 2026. It is scheduled for completion in June 2029.
