Umahi: No More Temporary Fixes as FG Flags Off Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road Dualisation

Umahi: No More Temporary Fixes as FG Flags Off Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road Dualisation

By Goodness EkpangUmahi

Ibadan (Core Reporters) — Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, has declared an end to temporary interventions on the strategic Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road as the Federal Government formally flagged off the dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre corridor in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on August 24, 2026, at the Open Field of Legacy Estate, Ibadan, Umahi said the project represented a decisive shift from temporary repairs to the delivery of durable infrastructure under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Today marks the end of an era of temporary fixes on this vital corridor. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building roads that will outlive generations,” he said.

The Minister described the project as more than a conventional road construction scheme, stressing that its strategic importance extends beyond asphalt and concrete.

“This 56.5km dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention,” Umahi said.

According to him, the project would unlock new economic opportunities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, improve movement, reduce travel time and address security challenges associated with the deteriorated sections of the road.

“By expanding this corridor, we are unlocking the massive agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reducing travel times drastically, and eliminating security vulnerabilities like kidnapping that thrived on dilapidated sections,” he said.

The 56.5-kilometre dualisation project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen one of the major transportation and economic links between Oyo and Ogun states.

Umahi said the project was a clear indication of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape through the construction of durable roads capable of supporting expanding economic activities.

He also commended JRB Construction Limited for its work on the corridor, describing the firm as the best indigenous contractor and highlighting the scale of its ongoing earthworks.

“I can tell you that JRB contractors are the best indigenous contractors. Go and see the work they are already doing. They are filling up to 40 feet along this road,” he said.

Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,p described the project as an important economic connection between the two neighbouring states.

“Today demonstrates the flag-off of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road. It is more than just a flag-off; it is a vital connection between two sister states economically,” Abiodun said.

The President’s commitment to the corridor was further underscored at the ceremony, with Abiodun stressing that the route was too important for the Federal Government to neglect.

“The Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor is simply too important for the Federal Government to neglect. This administration is committed to delivering infrastructure that outlives generations,” he said.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also welcomed the project, recalling the hardship faced by farmers and traders who have depended on the road over the years.

“We thank President Tinubu for seeing the strategic value of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road. For years, our farmers and traders faced immense hardship navigating this route. This concrete dualisation project will bring lasting economic relief and security to Ibadanland and our neighbouring communities,” the monarch said.

Oba Ladoja also commended Umahi for his role in advancing the infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration.

“Senator Umahi has proven himself to be an indefatigable champion of infrastructure, and he has the full backing of our traditional institution,” he said.

Immediately after the ceremony, Umahi announced that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road, where he said the Federal Government would engage relevant stakeholders to resolve the difficulties confronting road users.

“Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba Road. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we solve that problem,” he said.

The Minister explained that the challenges on the road arose from the Federal Government’s attempt to involve the private sector in road development through concession arrangements.

According to him, the concessionaire removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road, subsequently shut its yard and abandoned the project, leaving road users to bear the consequences.

“We are going to be talking to the independent engineer and our lawyer, and of course, the concessionaire. So there’s going to be a robust engagement even with the governor of Edo State,” Umahi said.

He also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, would visit the Ifaki–Kabba Road in Ekiti and Kogi states to assess the condition of the critical route and report back to President Tinubu.

Umahi recalled that President Tinubu had, in 2024, expressed concern over the poor state of the road and directed that urgent action be taken.

“We have redesigned it, and when he goes, he’s going to bring up a report which we shall tell Mr. President,” he said.

The Works Minister also commended President Tinubu for approving critical road projects across the country, describing the scale of ongoing construction as unprecedented.

“We may be having too many roads but I want to thank the president, very, very highly. These are critical projects,” Umahi said.

He urged Nigerians to appreciate the administration’s infrastructure drive, noting that major road projects were ongoing across the country.

“So I want Nigerians to appreciate what the president is doing. Every state is a construction site. There is no region where we say, ‘Oh, we are shortchanged.’ There is nothing like that. So I commend the president very highly,” he said.

The ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, ended with the official groundbreaking of the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.