Umahi Vows End to ‘Temporary Fixes’ as FG Flags Off 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Dualisation
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has commenced the dualisation of the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, with the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declaring that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is moving away from temporary road interventions to durable infrastructure capable of supporting economic growth and improving road safety.
The development was contained in a statement issued by Francis Nwaze, FIPMD, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister of Works (Media), dated August 25, 2026, following the official flag-off ceremony held on August 24 at the Open Field of Legacy Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Umahi said the strategic corridor was more than a road construction project, describing its dualisation as an economic intervention that would unlock agricultural and commercial opportunities along the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reduce travel time and address security vulnerabilities associated with the deteriorated road.
“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 said.
The 56.5-kilometre project, approved by the Federal Executive Council and awarded to JRB Construction Limited, is expected to strengthen a major transportation and economic link between Oyo and Ogun states while facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and goods across the corridor.
Umahi said the project would also help address security challenges, particularly kidnapping, which he said had thrived along badly deteriorated sections of the road.
“This 56.5km dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention,” he said.
The minister commended JRB Construction Limited for its work on the project, describing it as a leading indigenous contractor and highlighting the scale of earthworks already being undertaken.
“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,” Umahi said.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the project as a critical economic connection between 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,” Abiodun said.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also welcomed the project, recalling the difficulties faced by farmers and traders using 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 neighbouring communities,” the monarch said.
Ladoja also commended Umahi for his role in advancing the Federal Government’s infrastructure agenda, describing him as an “indefatigable champion of infrastructure.”
Umahi moves to Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road
Following the flag-off, Umahi disclosed plans to visit the troubled Benin-Agbor-Asaba Road to engage relevant stakeholders and seek solutions to the challenges confronting motorists and residents along the route.
The minister attributed the difficulties partly to challenges arising from the Federal Government’s attempt to involve private-sector participation in road development, alleging that a concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt before abandoning the project.
“Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba Road. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we solve that problem,” Umahi said.
He said the Federal Government would engage the independent engineer, legal representatives, concessionaire and the Edo State Government as part of efforts to resolve the situation.
Umahi also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo, would visit the Ifaki-Kabba Road spanning Ekiti and Kogi states to assess its condition and report back to the President.
According to him, the road had attracted President Tinubu’s attention in 2024 after the President observed its poor condition, prompting instructions for remedial action. He said the road had subsequently been redesigned.
‘Every state is a construction site’
The Works Minister further commended President Tinubu for approving what he described as critical road projects across the country, saying the administration had demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to infrastructure development.
“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,” Umahi said.
He urged Nigerians to recognise the impact of the Federal Government’s road construction programme, arguing that improved road infrastructure remained essential to economic development, security and national integration.
The ceremony brought together government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders and culminated in the official groundbreaking of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.
