The Federal Government has commenced the dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declaring that the project marks the end of temporary interventions on the strategic corridor.
According to Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media) on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Umahi, who spoke at the flag-off ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, said the project was part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to deliver durable infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and improving connectivity across the country.
“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,” the minister said.
He described the dualisation as an economic intervention rather than merely a road construction project, saying it would unlock the agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reduce travel time and improve security along the route.
“This 56.5km dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention,” Umahi said.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council-approved project, awarded to JRB Construction Limited, would strengthen a major transportation and economic link between Oyo and Ogun states.
The minister commended JRB Construction Limited for its work on the project, describing the company as one of the best indigenous contractors handling federal road projects.
“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.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, welcomed the project, recalling the difficulties faced by farmers and traders who depend on the route.
He thanked President Tinubu for recognising the strategic importance of the road and commended Umahi for his efforts in advancing the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda.
The monarch said the project would provide lasting economic relief and enhance security for Ibadanland and neighbouring communities.
Meanwhile, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government would immediately turn its attention to other critical road projects across the country.
He said he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road to engage relevant stakeholders and seek solutions to the difficulties currently faced by motorists and other road users.
The minister attributed the challenges on the road partly to difficulties arising from the Federal Government’s attempt to involve the private sector in road development.
He said the concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road before abandoning the project, leaving motorists to bear the consequences.
“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 announced that the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, would visit the Ifaki–Kabba Road linking Ekiti and Kogi states to assess its condition and report back to the President.
Umahi said the road had been identified as a priority after President Tinubu personally observed its poor condition in 2024.
He added that the road had since been redesigned, while the minister of state was expected to submit a report to guide further action by the Federal Government.
The Works Minister also praised President Tinubu for approving several critical road projects nationwide, saying the scale of ongoing construction demonstrated the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure across all regions.
He urged Nigerians to recognise the spread of federal road projects across the country, insisting that no region was being neglected.
“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,” Umahi said.
The flag-off ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, culminated in the official groundbreaking of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.
