The President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has reiterated the Renewed Hope Administration’s objective of ensuring that all national road network meets acceptable international standards. He said this at the flag-off ceremony of the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Expansion of Lagos – Ibadan Dual Carriageway, Phase II, Section I (Lagos-Sagamu) in Lagos and Ogun States over the weekend in Ogun State.
Represented at the event by the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the President declared that Nigeria will be rich because its roads are beginning to be good. He insisted that prioritising road infrastructure and getting it to acceptable standards, will not only bring positive development but earn the country a higher status in the community of nations. He posited that infrastructure is much more than roads and bridges, it stimulates economic activities and also helps people to connect, as well as reconnect, seamlessly. According to him, the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway is not just another thoroughfare but a vital artery that links the Northern part of the country to the seventeen (17) in the South.
While urging the Contractor, Messrs CNC (Nig.) Limited to stick to the approved design and date of delivery, His Excellency said that he remains optimistic that with the new design and the provisions of modern and safe infrastructure to internationally acceptable standards, accidents and fatalities on the alignment will be reduced to the barest minimum. The project’s scope of work includes the provision of flyovers for connectivity, and pedestrian bridges for the safety of road users and is to be constructed using continuous reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) technology.
In his capacity as the Governor of Ogun State, he appreciated Mr President, the Minister, and everyone involved in the epoch-making event, adding that motorists plying the route will soon have a breath of fresh air.
Earlier in his Remarks, the Minister of Works, His Excellency, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE highlighted some observations made during his inspection of various project sites in the South – West. He noted the good job done by Julius Berger on Section I of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway but expressed reservations on the quality of work done on Section II by Messrs RCC (Nig.) Limited, where about 20% have already failed. As a panacea to this fraud by contractors, the Minister instructed that a Task Force be constituted by Permanent Secretary to ensure that, going forward, there will be no payment of mobilisation fees without a valid report on mobilisation and work on the site of the project for at least two weeks. He also reiterated that contractors should not waste already existing stable asphalts but mill and overlay, so as not to destabilise or destroy the CBR of the road. He insists that this will significantly reduce the cost of construction, save money, as well as reduce the duration of the delivery of projects.
While commending the contractor, Messrs CBC (Nig.) Limited as one of the best with adequate equipment and requisite expertise competing favourably with Hitech and CGC, he also encouraged other contractors to take a cue from them.
While welcoming the gathering at the occasion, the Federal Controllers of Works, Lagos and Ogun States, Engineers Kesha Olukorede and Forasola Oloyede, separately, intimated them about the scope of the project in their respective States. It was highlighted that Phase I of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway has been completed and that the flag-off is for Phase II. Oyo State has about 80 kilometres of road, while 70 kilometres are in Ogun State and Lagos State has 70 kilometres. From the Ogun side, Engr. Oloyede stated that the project involves the reconstruction of the Shagamu-Iperu-Ore section of the road; the construction of an Interchange at Lotto Junction; construction of Kara, Magboro, Arepo, and Warewa Underpasses; five (5) Pedestrian Bridges and two (2) Flyovers at MFM and Makun Industrial City.
Lots of Goodwill messages were delivered by the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty Oba (Dr.) Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, Commissioner for Works, Ogun State, Hon Akinsanya and the SSA-P. on Community Engagement, Hon. Moremi Ojodu, amongst others. They applauded Mr President and the Honourable Minister for coming to their rescue. The Oba was particular about his people’s request for speed breakers to be installed to curb accidents and fatalities.
Signed
Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Press and Public Relations.
