President Bola Tinubu has approved the complete reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, marking a major shift in the Federal Government’s road construction strategy. The approval was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who said the decision followed the rapid deterioration of sections of the highway despite being rehabilitated just a few years ago.
Umahi argued that reinforced concrete offers a far more durable solution for Nigeria’s busiest highways, saying such roads can last 50 to 100 years with minimal maintenance compared to asphalt surfaces that require frequent repairs. According to him, repeated maintenance on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway failed to stop its deterioration, prompting the government’s decision to rebuild the corridor rather than continue patchwork repairs.
Beyond the Lagos-Ibadan project, Tinubu also approved the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway from about 700 kilometers to 1,100 kilometers, linking Akwanga to Maiduguri through Taraba. Additional approvals include completing the abandoned Ibi Bridge and Lau Bridge projects in Taraba State, as well as expanding sections of the East-West Road, all part of the administration’s broader infrastructure program aimed at improving connectivity across the country.
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