Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Friday initiated the reconstruction of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta-Ifo-Ota-Lagos Expressway, with a commitment to complete the project within 18 months. The flag-off ceremony took place in Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area.
Governor Abiodun emphasized the significance of the road, not only for Ogun State but also for Lagos State and the nation, as it serves as a vital corridor for people traveling to neighboring countries. The road’s reconstruction had been conceived as far back as 2019, but efforts to convince the federal government to release the road to the Ogun State Government had previously failed.
Abiodun expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the handover of the road to Ogun State for reconstruction. He also thanked the Federal Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, for his support in securing the necessary approvals.
The governor highlighted the road’s importance as the second busiest in Nigeria, after the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He explained that the road connects Abeokuta to Lagos State and links Ilaro in Ogun West with Sagamu in Ogun East, passing through various industrial hubs and densely populated communities.
To ensure the project is completed on time, five construction teams will be deployed to handle different zones along the road, each covering approximately 15 kilometers. The project is expected to create jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers, improve security, and provide a conducive environment for businesses.
Governor Abiodun urged the people to cooperate with the contractor and called on the private sector to partner with the state government in its socio-economic development efforts.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, reiterated the state government’s commitment to completing the project, which spans four local government areas. The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and other dignitaries praised the current administration for addressing the long-standing issue of the road’s poor condition.
The representative of Graneburg, the construction company handling the project, assured that they would deliver quality work and called for the public’s cooperation in managing traffic during the construction period.
