President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement, marking a major shift in the Federal Government’s approach to road construction on key highways.
Gatekeepers News reports that the approval was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a media briefing in Abuja. Umahi said the decision followed the rapid deterioration of sections of the expressway despite being rehabilitated less than five years ago.
According to him, the existing asphalt pavement has repeatedly failed even after maintenance works, making a complete reconstruction with reinforced concrete necessary. He explained that concrete pavement is expected to last between 50 and 100 years with little or no maintenance, unlike asphalt.
The minister described the presidential approval as a validation of the ministry’s push to adopt reinforced concrete for major federal highways because of its durability and long-term cost savings. He noted that the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway spans about 135 kilometres across two carriageways and remains one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.
Umahi also announced that Tinubu approved several other road infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, the completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River, and the dualisation of another 400 kilometres of the East-West road from Lokoja to Benin. He said the projects are aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade and strengthening road infrastructure across the country.
