The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the rehabilitation of the 30.4-kilometre road linking Lagos State to Sagamu town in Ogun State.
This is a major access road for trucks and tankers evacuating petroleum products from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation’s depot in Mosimi.
The project was awarded to Arab Contractors and is expected to be completed in 36 months at the cost of N20bn.
According to the description of the project, there will be rigid pavement of 11.65km, flexible pavement of 18.75km and 25km of drainage.
The Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, stated at the inauguration of the project on Monday that it was in fulfillment of the Federal Government’s promise to improve road infrastructure in the country.
He said the road, which had outlived its service lifespan, was currently riddled with several failed sections and potholes, which would be filled for commuters to have easy movement during the period of construction.
The minister explained, “The road will serve as an alternative route during traffic congestion and relieve the ever busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
“It will also lead to reduction in vehicle operating costs, travel time, road accidents and loss of lives. There will be job opportunities and increase in commerce. The government has a strong policy on agriculture and industrialization, and no road is as important to these as this road.”
Fashola said the Federal Government also planned to continue work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as soon as possible.
“And if we get approval, we will complete the remaining portion of the Lagos-Badagry road,” he added.
The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Gbenga Ashafa, said President Muhammadu Buhari made the reconstruction of the Ikorodu-Sagamu road possible and had made funds available for it.
“In the last 20 years, the people of Ikorodu have clamoured for this road to be reconstructed. This marks a turnaround that will bring employment, commerce and progress,” he stated.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Relations and Diaspora Affairs, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that with the support of the National Assembly, the project would be completed within the stipulated time.
A member of the House of Representatives, Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Jimi Benson, appealed to residents to cooperate with the contractor for the timely completion of the road.
