President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the 58-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road linking Oyo and Ogun states, while approving the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Abeokuta–Ibadan Road.

The projects are part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, strengthen economic integration and address critical road deficits across the South-West.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the open field of Legacy Estate, Idi-Ape, Ibadan, President Tinubu, who was represented by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode corridor as a major economic artery linking Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis.

According to the President, the road also provides important connections to other parts of the South-West and the country, making its reconstruction critical to regional economic development.

He said the project represented a shift from promises to practical action under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road is too important to Oyo State, Ogun State, Lagos and, indeed, the entire Nigeria to be left unattended to.

“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.”

Tinubu said the improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.

He disclosed that the project would involve the construction of approximately 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement designed to ensure durability, safety and long-term value.

The President said the contractor had assured the Federal Government that the project would be completed in less than 24 months, urging the company to mobilise fully to site, comply with approved specifications and deliver within the agreed timeframe.

He also appealed to communities along the corridor to cooperate with the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors and relevant government agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the project.

Tinubu warned against encroachment, disruption and unreasonable demands that could delay construction, stressing that the success of the project depended on the cooperation of all stakeholders.

The President said the ultimate value of the road would be measured by its impact on citizens, including easier movement of agricultural produce from farms to markets, improved transportation of raw materials and finished goods, reduced travel time and better access to employment, education and healthcare.

The Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, disclosed that President Tinubu had also directed the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the 70-kilometre Ibadan–Abeokuta Road.

Umahi said the procurement process for the project was already ongoing, describing the approval as another major step towards improving connectivity between Oyo and Ogun states.

He disclosed that Oyo State currently had 17 major road projects out of the 47 Federal Government Road projects being executed across the South-West.

The minister further said Ogun and Ondo states had a combined 82-kilometre stretch of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which he noted would provide access to the biggest seaport currently being developed in Ogun State.

Highlighting other major projects in the region, Umahi mentioned the 1,068-kilometre Badagry–Sokoto Road, with 258 kilometres already dualised.

He also cited the 56-kilometre Oyo–Ogbomoso Road, which he said was 80 per cent completed, as well as the 34-kilometre Oyo–Ibadan Road, which had been abandoned but was resuscitated by the Tinubu administration.

Umahi described JRB, the contractor handling the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road, as one of the best-equipped indigenous contractors in Nigeria, with a record of executing major projects across the country.

He urged residents of communities along the corridor to support the contractor and facilitate the timely completion of the project.

Speaking. the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, said the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road was conceived in 1965 during the administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to strengthen the connection between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

He said the reconstruction and modernisation of the road would make the corridor more functional, reduce travel time and minimise accidents.

The member representing Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, said he moved the motion for the reconstruction because of the road’s importance to the socio-economic development of Oyo and Ogun states.

Adegbesan said the road provided critical access to markets, farmlands and educational institutions, expressing appreciation to President Tinubu for responding to the demands of residents by awarding the reconstruction contract.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, said the project would provide relief to residents who had endured years of travelling on the deteriorated road.

He assured that the people would cooperate with the Federal Government and contractor to ensure the project was delivered on schedule.

In his goodwill message, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, recalled the poor condition of the road and its negative impact on communities along the corridor.

He said the reconstruction would revive commercial activities, improve connectivity and reduce accidents, while urging residents to support the contractor.

The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashid Ladoja, also welcomed the project, noting that the poor condition of the road had contributed to security challenges by leaving parts of the corridor vulnerable to criminal activities.

He expressed optimism that the reconstruction would help reduce incidents of banditry and kidnapping while strengthening the longstanding relationship between the people of Ibadan and Ijebu.

Oba Ladoja urged the contractor to work diligently to ensure the speedy completion of the project.

The Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode Road contract was awarded on May 5, 2026, and construction commenced on July 11, 2026. The project is scheduled for completion on June 10, 2029.