From Lagos To The Niger Bridge: FG Pushes Ahead With Massive Road Infrastructure Drive
Federal Government Intensifies Highway Modernisation Efforts
NIGERIA’S ongoing highway modernisation programme has received fresh momentum following assurances from the Federal Government that all ongoing federal road projects will be completed before 2031.
Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, made the pledge during an extensive inspection of road projects along some of the nation’s busiest transport corridors, including the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Sagamu-Ore-Benin highway.
The inspection, conducted alongside lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly, offered an opportunity to assess progress on projects considered vital to the country’s economic and transportation future.
Key Projects Reach Advanced Stages
Umahi announced that the 24-kilometre section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway connecting to the Sagamu Interchange has already been completed.
He added that work on the 96-kilometre dual carriageway extending towards Benin-Ore is progressing steadily, with roughly 70 per cent completion achieved.
The minister noted that another major component of the corridor, a 60-kilometre dual carriageway on the Sagamu-Ore-Benin route, has reached approximately 75 per cent completion.
According to him, the use of reinforced concrete pavement and enhanced drainage systems demonstrates a commitment to building roads capable of withstanding heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.
Connecting Regions, Opening Markets
The Federal Government views the road projects as part of a broader strategy to improve national integration and economic competitiveness.
Umahi explained that ongoing construction and rehabilitation efforts will ultimately create uninterrupted road connectivity from Lagos through Ibadan, Benin and Asaba, while linking major commercial centres across southern and central Nigeria.
The minister listed several other projects currently receiving attention, including the Benin-Asaba Highway concession project, the Asaba-Summit Junction rehabilitation and connecting routes around the Niger Bridge corridors.
He said these projects are expected to reduce travel times, lower transportation costs and stimulate commercial activities along the routes.
Contractors Receive Praise for Quality Delivery
The minister commended CBC Global Civil and Building Construction Nigeria Limited, the contractor handling portions of the project, for maintaining quality standards and delivering work according to schedule.
He observed that despite seasonal weather challenges, critical earthworks and road foundations were completed ahead of peak rainfall periods, enabling uninterrupted progress.
Umahi noted that extensive drainage channels had also been incorporated into the project to safeguard the roads from water damage and extend their lifespan.
Lawmakers Back Infrastructure Agenda
Members of the National Assembly who participated in the inspection expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work.
House Committee Chairman on Works, Akin Alabi, described the projects as evidence of substantial investment in infrastructure, noting that the construction quality met high standards.
Senate Committee Chairman on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, praised the Ministry of Works for achieving notable progress despite budgetary and resource constraints.
The lawmakers pledged continued legislative support to ensure the successful completion of critical infrastructure projects nationwide.
Looking Toward 2031
As the government pushes ahead with its infrastructure agenda, officials believe the ongoing road projects will play a significant role in strengthening economic growth, improving logistics and enhancing national security.
For the Federal Government, the completion of these highways represents more than road construction—it is part of a wider effort to modernise Nigeria’s transport network and create a foundation for sustainable development.
With major corridors already approaching completion, attention is now turning to maintaining momentum and meeting the ambitious target of delivering all ongoing federal road projects before the end of the decade.
