The Federal Government has commenced the dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, a project expected to improve transportation, strengthen economic connectivity and unlock the agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis.
The flag-off ceremony, held on August 24, 2026, at the Open Field of Legacy Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State, was attended by government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, said the project represented a strategic economic intervention rather than merely a road construction initiative.
According to an official statement signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), Umahi said the dualisation would facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and improve security along the corridor.
“This 56.5km Dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention,” the Minister said.
He added that the project would open up new economic opportunities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis while supporting agricultural and commercial activities in communities along the route.
“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,” Umahi said.
The project, approved by the Federal Executive Council and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen one of the major transportation links between Oyo and Ogun states and enhance connectivity to other economic centres.
Umahi also declared that the project marked an end to temporary interventions on the strategic corridor, stressing that the Federal Government was focused on delivering durable infrastructure under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the road as a vital 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 Olubadan of Ibadanland, Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also commended the Federal Government for the project, noting that farmers and traders had endured significant difficulties using the road over the years.
The monarch said the dualisation would provide lasting economic relief and improve security for Ibadanland and neighbouring communities.
Meanwhile, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government would intensify efforts to address challenges on other critical road corridors.
He said he would proceed to the Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road to engage relevant stakeholders and seek solutions to the difficulties confronting motorists, while the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, would visit the Ifaki-Kabba Road in Ekiti and Kogi states.
Umahi said the Federal Government was committed to addressing critical road infrastructure across the country, describing road construction under the Tinubu administration as extensive and nationwide.
The Minister urged Nigerians to appreciate the administration’s infrastructure drive, noting that improved road networks were essential to economic growth, trade, agriculture, security and national development.
The flag-off ceremony culminated in the official ground-breaking of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.
