The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator (Engr.) David Nweze Umahi, CON, has declared an end to temporary interventions on the strategic Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, as the Federal Government formally flagged off the dualisation of the route in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on August 24, 2026 that took place at Open Field of Legacy Estate, Umahi said the project marked a decisive shift from temporary fixes to the delivery of durable infrastructure under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. “Today marks the end of an era of temporary fixes on this vital corridor. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building roads that will outlive generations.”
The Minister described the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode project as more than an ordinary road construction project, stressing that its strategic importance goes beyond asphalt and concrete “This 56.5km Dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention.”
According to Umahi, the dualisation will open up new economic opportunities across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, while making movement easier, reducing travel time and addressing security challenges that have been associated with the deteriorated sections of the road. “By expanding this corridor, we are unlocking the massive agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reducing travel times drastically, and eliminating security vulnerabilities like kidnapping that thrived on dilapidated sections.”
The 56.5-kilometre dualisation project, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen one of the major transportation and economic links between Oyo and Ogun states.
Umahi said the project was one of the clear indications of President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming the country’s infrastructure landscape, particularly through the construction of durable roads capable of supporting growing economic activities.
He also praised JRB Construction Limited for its work on the corridor, describing the company as the best indigenous contractor and drawing attention to the scale of the ongoing earthworks. “I can tell you that JRB contractors are the best indigenous contractors. Go and see the work they are already doing. They are filling up to 40 feet along this road.”
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the project as an important economic connection between the two neighbouring states. “Today demonstrates the flag-off of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road. It is more than just a flag-off; it is a vital connection between two sister states economically.”
The President’s commitment to the corridor was further emphasised at the ceremony. “The Ibadan-Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode corridor is simply too important for the Federal Government to neglect. This administration is committed to delivering infrastructure that outlives generations”.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also welcomed the project, recalling the hardship experienced by farmers and traders who have depended on the road over the years. “We thank President Tinubu for seeing the strategic value of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road. For years, our farmers and traders faced immense hardship navigating this route. This concrete dualisation project will bring lasting economic relief and security to Ibadanland and our neighboring communities.”
The monarch also commended Umahi for his role in advancing the infrastructure agenda of the Tinubu administration. “Senator Umahi has proven himself to be an indefatigable champion of infrastructure, and he has the full backing of our traditional institution.”
Immediately after the ceremony, the Minister announced that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road, where he said the Federal Government would engage all relevant parties and work towards resolving the difficulties currently confronting road users. “Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba Road. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we solve that problem. It’s not caused by Minister of Works. It’s caused by our attempt to involve private sector in roads development as is done in other places. But this concessionaire came and removed over 30KM of the asphalt and threw it away and closed the yard and left and today, people are suffering. We are going to be talking to the independent engineer and our lawyer, and of course, the concessionaire. So there’s going to be a robust engagement even with the governor Edo State.”
He also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo would visit the Ifaki–Kabba Road in Ekiti and Kogi states, another critical route requiring urgent attention. “The Minister of State is going to go to Ifaki – Kabba in Ekiti/Kogi States. Incidentally, in 2024, the president saw the terrible nature of that project, and he called me and he said we should take care of it. We have redesigned it, and when he goes, he’s going to bring up a report which we shall tell Mr. President.”
Umahi used the occasion to commend President Tinubu for approving what he described as critical road projects across the country, arguing that the scale of construction under the administration was unprecedented. “We may be having too many roads but I want to thank the president very, very highly. These are critical projects. Because tell me anywhere in this country, any zone where you had before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, 50KM of road that you can ride through without pothole, without potholes on the road.”
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the President’s infrastructure drive, noting that road construction was taking place across the country. “So I want Nigerians to appreciate what the president is doing. Every state is a construction site. There is no region that we say, “Oh, we are shortchanged.” There is nothing like that. So I commend the president very highly.”
The ceremony, which brought together government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, ended with the official ground-breaking of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Dapo Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.
Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
August 25, 2026.
