FG flags-off reconstruction of Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonsoki-Ojota Expressway

The Federal Government, yesterday, started the journey towards finding permanent solution to Apapa traffic gridlock by flagging off reconstruction of the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonsoki-Ojota Expressway.

The road is being reconstructed by AG Dangote Construction Ltd. at the cost of N73bn and will be delivered within two years.

Flagging off the reconstruction in Lagos, President Muhammadu Buhari said the construction would ease business at the ports and ameliorate motorists and residents’ suffering, as well as boost revenue generation in the axis.

President Buhari, represented by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said the reconstruction would be done in concrete for longer lifespan under Private Public Partnership (PPP).

He explained that the road, built between 1975 and 1978 as a major route to Tincan and Apapa ports, as well as Murtala Mohammed International Airport has been in deplorable state due to years of neglect, resulting in loss of billions of naira in revenue.

Fashola, who earlier toured Apapa Wharf Road, which will be commissioned next month, said the contractor is funding the project in the form of advanced tax because of the impact on his business.

He appealed to stakeholders to cooperate with the contractor to ensure early completion.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode said the concrete template being introduced by the Dangote Group remained a better option because of Lagos topography.

He said the lasting solution to Apapa gridlock lies in the combination of road, rail and water transportations.

The governor also appealed to the Federal Government for refunds of projects executed by the state to allow it tackle works in other areas.

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said over 60 per cent of revenue has been lost by businesses because of the deplorable state of the road.