The Federal Government has formally flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, reaffirming its commitment to the development of critical infrastructure that will drive socioeconomic growth, improve connectivity and enhance shared prosperity across the South-West.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, performed the flag-off of the strategic road project linking Oyo and Ogun states.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, the President described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road as a major economic corridor connecting Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, with further links to other parts of the South-West and Nigeria.
President Tinubu said the project represented more than the commencement of another road construction, describing it as a clear demonstration of his administration’s determination to address critical infrastructure deficits and remove barriers to economic prosperity.
“The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to,” the President stated.
“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.”
The President said the reconstruction and dualisation project would involve the construction of a modern dual carriageway with continuous reinforced concrete pavement designed to ensure durability, safety and long-term value.
He added that the improved road infrastructure would strengthen commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs and create direct and indirect employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.
According to the President, the completion of the project is also expected to improve the movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, ease the transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduce travel time and provide better access to jobs, education and healthcare.
President Tinubu appealed to host communities to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, the contractor and relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth and timely execution of the project.
He warned against encroachment, unnecessary disruption and unreasonable demands capable of delaying the project, stressing that the cooperation of all stakeholders remained essential to its successful completion.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, disclosed that President Tinubu had also 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 highlighted other strategic projects, including the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, of which 258 kilometres have been dualised, the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which is about 80 per cent completed, and the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which has been resuscitated by the present administration.
The Minister described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous construction companies in Nigeria, with the capacity and experience to deliver quality infrastructure.
He called on communities along the project corridor to support the contractor and cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the road was originally conceived during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1965 to strengthen connectivity between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
He noted that President Tinubu’s decision to reconstruct and modernise the road would significantly reduce travel time, minimise accidents and improve the functionality of the strategic corridor.
The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, said he moved the motion for the reconstruction of the road because of its strategic importance to the socioeconomic development of Ogun and Oyo states.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, described the project as a major relief for residents and motorists who have endured years of travelling on the deplorable road.
In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, said the reconstruction of the road would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, urging the people to support the project.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also expressed optimism that the reconstruction of the road would address some of the security challenges associated with its deplorable condition.
The Olubadan noted that the poor state of the road had exposed some sections of the corridor to criminal activities and expressed confidence that the reconstruction would help improve security while further strengthening the longstanding peaceful relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.
Kabiyesi urged the contractor to work diligently and ensure the speedy completion of the project for the benefit of the people.
The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road project was awarded on May 5, 2026, and commenced on July 11, 2026. The project is expected to be completed by June 10, 2029.
The Federal Government reaffirmed that the project represents a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity, stimulating economic activities and delivering infrastructure that will have a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Ogun, Oyo and other parts of Nigeria.
