Tinubu approves reconstruction of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in concrete

President Tinubu has approved the full reconstruction of the 135-kilometre Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, alongside a 400-kilometre extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway and approval for two new bridges in Taraba State, Works Minister David Umahi announced Thursday.

Nigeria’s busiest highway is getting a complete do-over — and this time, in concrete.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, Works Minister David Umahi announced Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja, describing the decision as a definitive answer to the highway’s persistent deterioration despite repeated repairs.

“It is 135 kilometres by two carriageways. That project is not up to five years old, yet it has already started failing,” Umahi said. “They repaired it, and it still failed. The answer is to reconstruct it using reinforced concrete pavement that will last between 50 and 100 years, maintenance-free.”

The Cable reports that the minister said the ministry had taken journalists and members of the National Assembly to witness the road’s condition firsthand, making the case for concrete over asphalt on major highways.

“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.

Beyond Lagos-Ibadan, Umahi announced a significant expansion of the Fourth Legacy Highway, with Tinubu approving an additional 400 kilometres, stretching the corridor from approximately 700 kilometres to 1,100 kilometres. The extension will pass through Taraba State, strengthening connectivity between the north-central and north-east regions.

“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.

Two additional approvals covering Taraba State were also announced. The long-abandoned Ibi Bridge — awarded in 2018 but stalled at roughly 40 per cent completion — has been approved for review and completion. Additionally, the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River has been approved for design, procurement, and award.