President Tinubu Flags Off Lagos-Ibadan-Sagamu Expressway Reconstruction
On Saturday, the 22nd of February 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially flagged off the reconstruction of section one of the Lagos-Ibadan and Lagos-Sagamu Expressways. During the Flag-off ceremony which took place in Sagamu, Ogun state, President Tinubu stated that the reconstruction and expansion project would include features such as underpasses and pedestrian bridges at Wawa, Arepo, Magboro and Kara as well as flyover bridges at kilometer 16 and kilometer 37. It was disclosed that project is expected to be completed within 24 months.
The President also flagged off the 60 kilometer stretch of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway from the Sagamu interchange to Itele, in order to improve road safety. The significance of the Nigeria’s busiest highway was highlighted as it serves to connect the nation’s commercial hub, Lagos and 17 other southern states. The project aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and it’s commitment to leveraging the nation’s natural resources by improving rural-urban linkages and modernizing national road networks, railways and airports.
More so, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized the crucial role road infrastructure plays in mobility, economic growth and the general quality of life. He also lamented the numerous fatalities caused by the poor conditions of the long neglected roads. However, he added that the reconstruction and expansion of the expressway would reduce travel time, enhance safety and improve productivity in Nigeria.
Senator Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, stated: “What we are launching today includes works on the Magboro underpass, Warewa underpass, Arepo underpass, Sagamu, and Iperu — a total of 12 kilometres by two lanes, making 24 kilometres. The next phase of the project, covering another 48 kilometres by two lanes, will extend from Iperu to Ijebu-Ode, forming part of the Sagamu-Ore road”. The minister directed that payments should not be made to contractors without an APG (Advanced Payment Guarantee Certificate). He emphasized that the contractor’s Performance Bond must be valid before any disbursement and that the APG must be valid at the time of payment.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, assured that the project extends beyond Ogun state and would impact the Nation’s economy positively. The Ogun state commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and assured that the state government would effectively collaborate with federal officials and contractors to ensure the project’s successful and timely completion.
Oba Babatunde Ajayi, the Akarigbo of Remoland, urged the Federal Government to construct two flyovers at the Sagamu junction and the police divisional junction and requested the establishment of a fire station along the expressway to respond to emergencies.
Governor Abiodun performed the official flag-off of the project on behalf of the President.
