President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun states. 

He has also approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.

The projects form part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen transportation networks, deepen economic integration and address critical infrastructure deficits across the South-West.

Tinubu, represented by Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, spoke at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan. 

He said the projects demonstrate his administration’s commitment to improving strategic economic corridors and delivering infrastructure that directly benefits Nigerians.

He described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with links to other parts of the South-West and the country.

“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. 

“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.”

He noted that better road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, cut transportation costs and create jobs for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other citizens.

The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode project will involve the construction of about 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement for durability, safety and long-term value. 

The contractor has assured the government that the work will be completed in less than 24 months. 

Tinubu charged the company to mobilise fully to site, stick to approved specifications and deliver on time.

He appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant agencies, and warned against encroachment, disruption or unreasonable demands that could delay the project.

Tinubu added that the approval for the reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road would further improve connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.

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 has 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government projects being executed across the South-West. 

He also noted that Ogun and Ondo states share a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which will provide access to a major seaport under development in Ogun State.

Other projects he highlighted include the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road (258 km already dualised), the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road (80 per cent completed), and the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which had been abandoned but has now been resuscitated.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous firms in the country and called on residents of the affected communities to support the contractor for timely completion.

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

He said the reconstruction would make it more functional, reduce travel time and minimise accidents.House of Representatives member Joseph Adegbesan (Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside) said he moved the motion for the road’s reconstruction because of its importance to the socio-economic development of Ogun and Oyo states. 

House Committee on Works Chairman Akin Alabi said the project would bring relief after years of travelling on the dilapidated road.

The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, and the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, both welcomed the project, noting that the poor condition of the road had hampered commerce, created security challenges and made parts of the corridor vulnerable to crime. 

They urged cooperation with the contractor for speedy completion.The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and commenced on July 11, 2026. It is expected to be completed by June 10, 2029. 

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