— By GlobalWatch, Abuja
President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the re-award and comprehensive upgrade of the Ijebu Igbo–Etapa–Owoyen Road, linking Ogun and Oyo States, with a directive that the road be constructed in full concrete pavement and an upgraded base for durability.
The approval was one of several far-reaching decisions taken at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The 37-kilometre inter-state road, originally awarded at ₦13 billion, has now been revalued to ₦53 billion, representing a 307 percent increase.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, said the upward review was due to the redesign, introduction of concrete technology, and the addition of seven more kilometres to the project scope.
According to Umahi, President Tinubu personally issued a standing order that the road be executed using full-concrete pavement, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to durable and sustainable road infrastructure.
“Mr President directed that the Ijebu Igbo–Etapa–Owoyen–Ibadan Road be reconstructed on a full-concrete base with high-quality specifications. This project will stand the test of time and ensure value for money,” Umahi stated.
Other Major Road Projects Approved
The FEC also approved funding and revisions for several other strategic highway projects across the country, reflecting the administration’s aggressive infrastructure renewal agenda.
- Sokoto–Badagry Coastal Superhighway (Section 3)
163 km stretch from Badagry to the Ogun–Oyo border was awarded at ₦553 billion, representing ₦3.39 billion per kilometre. The road will be constructed entirely in reinforced concrete. - Ota–Idiroko Road and Flyover, Ogun State
A 14-km road and a 509-metre flyover were approved at ₦121 billion — ₦98 billion for the road and ₦23 billion for the flyover — to improve international trade access between Nigeria and Benin Republic. - Lagos–Ibadan Expressway (Phase II, Section II)
A fresh contract worth ₦43.73 billion was approved to cover underpasses, ramps, and side roads along the expressway corridor. - Ilorin–Omu Aran–Egba Road (Phase I)
₦43 billion was approved for the rehabilitation of a 31-km section in Kwara State. - Wasasa–Turunku–Mararaba Road (Phase II), Kaduna State
₦30.23 billion was approved for the continuation of the 42-km second phase of the project. - Enugu–Onitsha Expressway (Phase I)
The Council approved ₦28.47 billion for the reconstruction of 35 km between OP Junction and the Anambra border, with ₦7 billion balance pending. - Mushin–NNPC–Apapa–Oshodi Dualisation Project, Lagos
The cost of the 14.4 km port access road was revised upward to ₦19.09 billion from the initial ₦11 billion. - East–West Road (Revised Structure)
The Council endorsed a ₦156 billion restructured package for the Port Harcourt–Warri axis, including three flyovers and two new bridges (Abuloma and Refinery).
Ogun and Oyo Residents Hail Tinubu
The re-award of the Ijebu Igbo–Etapa–Owoyen–Ibadan road has been greeted with excitement among residents and political leaders in Ogun and Oyo States. Many described it as a “long-awaited lifeline” for communities that have endured years of neglect.
A community leader in Ijebu Igbo, Prince Adedapo David Oluwadamilare, commended President Tinubu for fulfilling his campaign promise to improve rural-urban road connectivity.
“This is a historic intervention. For years, the Ijebu Igbo–Ibadan road has been a nightmare for motorists and traders. Turning it into a full-concrete road shows the President means business,” he said.
Reinforcing Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has consistently emphasized infrastructure development as a key driver of economic revival. His administration’s shift toward full concrete roads marks a significant departure from traditional asphalt construction, which has been prone to quicker deterioration.
With the latest approvals, the Federal Government has committed over ₦800 billion to critical road infrastructure projects nationwide, signaling a renewed determination to modernize Nigeria’s transport network and stimulate regional economies.
