President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has linked the N296 billion reconstruction and dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road to his administration’s efforts to improve economic integration, regional trade and infrastructure-led development in the South-West.
Tinubu spoke on Monday at the flag-off of the project at the Idi Ayunre end of the highway in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he also announced further Federal Government interventions on major roads across the region.
The project, awarded to JRB Construction Limited following approval by the Federal Executive Council, is expected to improve connectivity between Oyo and Ogun states and strengthen access to the Lagos-Ogun economic corridor.
Represented at the ceremony by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Tinubu said the project was part of his administration’s infrastructure agenda aimed at easing transportation challenges and improving Nigeria’s road network.
He said the Federal Government was committed to making roads across the 36 states motorable, stressing that the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode route was too strategically important to be neglected.
“It is more than just a flag-off; it is a connection between the two states economically.”
The President noted that the highway had served farmers, manufacturers, students and other residents for decades, saying its reconstruction demonstrated the government’s commitment to providing safer roads.
He added that completing the project would boost the Gross Domestic Product of the benefiting states and create opportunities for increased local and foreign investment.
Tinubu also directed the contractor to ensure that the project was completed according to schedule.
According to the Federal Government, the project will increase the capacity of the corridor, improve the movement of people and goods and strengthen economic activities between Oyo and Ogun states.
More roads for South-West
Minister of Works Dave Umahi disclosed that Tinubu had expanded Federal Government interventions in the South-West, including approval for the reconstruction of the Ibadan-Abeokuta road and 15 other federal highways in the region.
Umahi said the President had directed him to act on a request from Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, concerning infrastructure development in the region.
He also said several roads had been redesigned, including the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha road, as part of the administration’s broader intervention in federal highways.
Umahi acknowledged that the scale of the infrastructure programme meant some projects might not be completed before the end of the current administration in 2027.
“We may not complete all the projects that we have started by 2027, but all will be completed and commissioned on or before 2031.”
Minister of State for Works Bello Mohammed said the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode project would ease transportation difficulties and demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development across the country.
He appealed to residents of the region to support the administration at the 2027 polls.
“The only way to reciprocate the gesture is for the people in the region to vote massively for Tinubu and all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.”
Ladoja seeks support for Tinubu
Speaking at the ceremony, Oba Rashidi Ladoja thanked Tinubu for approving the project and recalled his previous engagements with the Federal Government over infrastructure and security concerns in the region.
Ladoja said Tinubu deserved continued support, while linking the President’s intervention to the needs of residents of the region.
He also recalled leading other Oyo traditional rulers to meet Tinubu to express appreciation over the rescue of victims of the Oriire abductions.
According to Ladoja, the road would strengthen relations between the Ibadan and Ijebu people, while improving security and transportation along the corridor.
“This road is going to improve the relationship between the Ijebu and Ibadan people. I have been assured that the road will be delivered in 24 months.”
Source: Federal Government / Ministry of Works.
