Ibadan-Ijebu Ode dualisation to unlock economic potential across Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis — Umahi
….promises end to “temporary fixes”

By Onu Okorie

Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, has stated that the dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road will open up new economic opportunities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, while making movement easier, reducing travel time and addressing security challenges associated with the deteriorated sections of the road.
Umahi made the declaration on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the flag-off ceremony held at the Open Field of Legacy Estate in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the Federal Government formally commenced the 56.5-kilometre dualisation of the strategic road.
He told the gathering that the era of stopgap interventions on the corridor was over, and that the government was building infrastructure meant to last for generations. Umahi went further, describing the dualisation as far more than a construction exercise — calling it a deliberate economic intervention rather than simply an asphalt-laying project.
“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,” the minister said.
He described the project as a decisive shift from temporary interventions 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,” Umahi said.
The minister stressed that the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode project was more than a conventional road construction scheme, noting its strategic importance to economic development and regional connectivity.
“This 56.5km dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention,” he said.
The 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 connecting Oyo and Ogun states, while improving access to markets, farms and commercial centres along the corridor.
Umahi said the project was another indication of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s infrastructure landscape through the construction of durable roads capable of supporting increased economic activity.
He also commended JRB Construction Limited, describing it as the best indigenous contractor, while highlighting the scale of work already being undertaken along the corridor.
“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, 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.
He said the importance of the corridor could not be overlooked, stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure that would serve present and future generations.
“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, welcomed the project, recalling the difficulties faced by farmers, traders and other road users who had depended on the route for 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.
Ladoja also commended Umahi for his contribution to the infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration, describing him as an “indefatigable champion of infrastructure” and assuring him of the support of the traditional institution.
Meanwhile, Umahi announced that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road as part of efforts to address challenges confronting motorists and other road users on the route.
He said the Federal Government would engage relevant stakeholders, including the independent engineer, lawyers, concessionaire and the Edo State Government, to find a solution to the problems.
“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.
According to the minister, the difficulties on the road resulted from challenges associated with an attempt to involve the private sector in road development. He alleged that the concessionaire removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt before abandoning the project and closing its yard.
“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.
Umahi recalled that President Tinubu had in 2024 drawn his attention to the poor state of the road and directed that action be taken. He said the route had since been redesigned and that Goronyo would submit a report following his assessment.
The minister further 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, challenging Nigerians to identify any part of the country where, before the Tinubu administration, they could travel 50 kilometres without encountering potholes.
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the administration’s infrastructure drive, saying road construction was ongoing across the country.
“Every state is a construction site. There is no region that 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.