FIC Report (Lagos State) – The Federal Government has warned that it will take over any unfinished sections of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway if contractors fail to meet the completion deadline by April 2025.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave this ultimatum after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on February 5, 2025, emphasizing that the government would no longer tolerate delays on the crucial highway.
“We are ready to take over certain parts of the road if they are not completed by April because we need to commission this project,” Umahi declared.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is a key infrastructure project valued at N213 billion. It was divided into two phases, with construction giant Julius Berger successfully completing the first phase, while RCC continues work on the second.
Despite significant progress, Umahi stated that an additional N30 billion is required to complete the remaining work, which includes an 8.55-kilometer stretch of the Lagos-bound carriageway.
“The outstanding contract value is about N4 billion, while the Lagos-bound section, which we redesigned, requires another N22 billion. Altogether, we need approximately N30 billion to complete the road,” he explained.
With the expressway serving as a major economic artery connecting Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo States, its timely completion is a priority for the government.
The project has faced multiple delays over the years due to funding challenges, logistical issues, and unforeseen complications. However, with Umahi’s latest statement, contractors are now under intense pressure to deliver before the April deadline—or risk having the government take over their sections.
The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of the busiest highways in Nigeria, and its completion is expected to ease traffic congestion, enhance economic activities, and improve overall road safety.
Signed
Gloria Dawodu
ACIO
