President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, a move aimed at improving the durability of one of Nigeria’s busiest highways and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Minister of Works David Umahi announced the approval during a media briefing in Abuja, saying the decision aligns with the Federal Ministry of Works’ commitment to replacing asphalt with reinforced concrete on major federal roads to ensure longer-lasting infrastructure.
According to Umahi, the expressway, which spans about 135 kilometres on two carriageways, has begun deteriorating less than five years after undergoing rehabilitation despite repeated repair efforts.
“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,” the minister said.
Explaining the rationale for the decision, Umahi added: “The answer is to reconstruct it using reinforced concrete pavement that will last between 50 and 100 years, maintenance-free.”
The minister also announced that President Tinubu approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, expanding the strategic road corridor from about 700 kilometres to approximately 1,100 kilometres.
“The greatest story is that yesterday, President Bola Tinubu approved the addition of 400 kilometres to our Fourth Legacy road. That is unprecedented,” Umahi said.
He explained that the new extension will pass through Taraba State, strengthening transport links between the North-Central and North-East regions of the country.
In addition, the President approved the completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge project in Taraba State, which was awarded in 2018 but stalled after reaching about 40 per cent completion.
“That bridge was awarded in 2018, got to about 40 percent completion and was abandoned. Yesterday, the president approved the review and completion of the Ibi bridge in Taraba state,” Umahi said.
The Federal Government also received presidential approval for 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 corridor from Lokoja to Benin.
Umahi said the projects are expected to enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade and significantly improve road infrastructure across the country.
