Tinubu Orders Fresh Reconstruction of Failing Lagos Ibadan Expressway

Tinubu Orders Fresh Reconstruction of Failing Lagos Ibadan Expressway
Umahi said the decision followed repeated failures of the existing asphalt pavement despite maintenance efforts
Umahi also disclosed that Tinubu approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres

President Bola Tinubu has approved the complete reconstruction of the Lagos Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement following the deterioration of sections of the highway less than five years after its rehabilitation.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, announced the approval during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, describing it as part of a fresh wave of infrastructure projects approved by the President to improve road connectivity across the country.

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Umahi said the decision followed repeated failures of the existing asphalt pavement despite maintenance efforts, stressing that reinforced concrete pavement would provide a more durable solution.

“The President approved yesterday the reconstruction of the Lagos Ibadan Road, and that is the justification for our fight for the use of reinforced concrete pavement,” he said.

According to the minister, the 135 kilometre dual carriageway has already shown signs of failure despite being rehabilitated less than five years ago.

“It is 135 kilometres by two carriageways. That project is not up to five years old, yet it has already started failing. They repaired it, and it still failed,” Umahi stated.

He explained that the reconstructed highway would use reinforced concrete pavement expected to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.

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Umahi also disclosed that Tinubu approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, increasing its total length from about 700 kilometres to approximately 1,100 kilometres.

The new extension will link Taraba State, strengthening connectivity between the North Central and North East regions.

The minister further announced the presidential approval for the completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, the construction of the 5.76 kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River and the dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East West Road.

He said the approvals underscored Tinubu’s commitment to delivering legacy infrastructure projects across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Umahi also revealed that the Lagos Calabar Coastal Highway would now be officially known as the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway, saying the decision was taken in recognition of the President’s long standing vision for the landmark project.

Providing updates on the coastal highway, he said work was progressing simultaneously across multiple sections, with the first phase from Victoria Island to Eleko Village described as a model for modern highway construction, while the second section is about 60 per cent completed and expected to be substantially delivered by November.

The minister added that work was also advancing on the Sokoto Badagry Super Highway and the Trans Sahara Highway, both of which are expected to improve national integration, facilitate trade and reduce travel time across the country.