The Federal Government has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work going on along the Lagos–Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode–Benin Expressway as well as the Lagos–Ibadan reconstruction project, describing it as a model of the new standard for federal road infrastructure in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who led an inspection team to Sections 1 and 2 of the project being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), disclosed that the contractor has completed about 8.1 kilometres of one carriageway on the Sagamu-bound lane and is working assiduously to meet the December 2025 deadline.
“This project is an extension of the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) initiative under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Section 1 was completed by Julius Berger, and Section 2, Phase 1, by RCC,” stressing that “what CCECC is handling now is Phase 2, Section 1, covering about 24 kilometres of reinforced concrete pavement with a carriageway width of 12 metres,” the minister explained.

He stated that the current section is about 40 per cent completed, adding that the contractor was directed to deliver the 24-kilometre stretch before proceeding to construct the seven interchanges along the Lagos corridor.

The minister noted that Section 2, Phase 2, recently awarded to another contractor, Naralick, will soon commence, while the remaining 96 kilometres of the dual carriageway between Ore and Benin, also being handled by CCECC, will maintain the same concrete standard.

He emphasised that the concrete pavement technology adopted for the project offers superior durability compared to asphalt.
“Show me any asphalt road in this country that has lasted 50 years. Even the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is already failing in some portions. But the concrete road built in my state in the 1950s is still standing,” he said. “We are not just constructing roads; we are building roads that will last over 100 years.”

The minister further directed the Ogun State Controller of Works to ensure that every completed five-kilometre stretch is opened to traffic after 21 days and properly maintained to ease movement and reduce travel stress for motorists.

On the aesthetics and safety components of the project, he said the highway would feature solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, rest areas, clinics, security posts, eateries, and other roadside facilities under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).
“We are also introducing tree planting along the corridor for environmental beauty and protection. By the first week of November, Nigerians should begin to see solar lighting installations and other features taking shape,” he added.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to timely delivery, assuring that President Tinubu’s infrastructure agenda prioritises quality, safety, and long-term value.

Meanwhile, the minister also inspected the Lagos–Ibadan section handled by RCC and expressed satisfaction with the quality of repairs on the overhead bridge in Alapako, Ogunmakin in Ogun State, noting that certificates of completion would only be approved after final touches, such as asphalting of turnings and installation of barriers are done.

He decried the habit of dumping refuse on federal highways, urging citizens to take responsibility for maintaining public infrastructure.

On the issue of tolling of the road and CCTV installation for better road management, Umahi explained that the plan remains on hold due to ongoing court cases over past concession agreements, but assured that the government is pursuing resolutions to allow private operators to maintain and secure major roads for public benefit.

Ogun State Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Olayiwola Komolafe, added that work has started on three of the bridges, as well as other areas of the roads.

Speaking earlier, Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha, commended the contractor handling the project for its progress towards meeting the December deadline. She explained that the contractor has so far completed 8.1 kilometres of road from the Ogun State interchange section inward Sagamu–Ijebu-Ode–Benin Expressway.

In the minister’s entourage were the Ogun State Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Olayiwola Komolafe; Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Kesha; and Director of Highway Bridges and Design, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Musa Seidu.