…Lagos/Ibadan Expressway to be reconstructed with reinforced concrete pavement
President Bola Tinubu has approved a sweeping set of infrastructure projects, including the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres—bringing the total corridor length to approximately 1,100 kilometres.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the approvals during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, describing them as a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.
According to Umahi, the expansion of the Fourth Legacy Highway—originally designed to link Akwanga in Nasarawa State to Maiduguri in Borno State—will now extend into Taraba State, strengthening connectivity between the North-Central and North-East regions.
“The most significant development is the President’s approval of an additional 400 kilometres to the Fourth Legacy Highway. This is unprecedented,” Umahi said.
He explained that the new stretch will pass through key communities and historic locations before terminating in Taraba, further enhancing regional integration and economic linkages.
Broader Infrastructure Approvals
Beyond the highway expansion, Tinubu also approved several major projects aimed at improving transport efficiency and durability nationwide. These include:
- Full reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement
- Completion of the long-abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State
- Construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River
- Dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road corridor
Umahi noted that these projects would boost economic activity, improve safety, and reduce travel time across key transport routes.
Shift to Reinforced Concrete Roads
A major highlight of the approvals is the decision to reconstruct the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete instead of asphalt.
The minister said sections of the highway had deteriorated less than five years after rehabilitation, despite repeated maintenance efforts.
“This is a 135-kilometre dual carriageway that is already failing. Repairs have not solved the problem. The solution is to reconstruct it using reinforced concrete pavement, which can last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance,” Umahi stated.
He described the approval as validation of the ministry’s push for more durable road construction methods.
Reviving Abandoned and Strategic Links
Umahi also confirmed that the Ibi Bridge project—awarded in 2018 and abandoned at about 40 percent completion—will now be completed following presidential approval.
In addition, the newly approved Lau Bridge is expected to enhance connectivity across the Benue River and open up economic opportunities in Taraba State.
The dualisation of the Lokoja–Benin axis of the East-West Road, another critical approval, is expected to ease congestion and improve trade along one of Nigeria’s busiest corridors.
Coastal Highway Renamed, Construction Advances
In a separate development, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been officially renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway, in recognition of Tinubu’s long-standing vision for the project.
Umahi revealed that the idea dates back over two decades to Tinubu’s tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
Work on the 750-kilometre highway is progressing across multiple sections:
- Section One (Victoria Island to Eleko Village, 47.47km) is nearing completion
- Section Two (Eleko to Lagos-Ogun boundary) is about 60 percent complete
- Section Three (Calabar axis, 75km) is approximately 30 percent complete
- Section Four (Ogun–Ondo axis, 82km) stands at about 20 percent
- Section Five (Akwa Ibom, 180km) is advancing despite funding delays
The corridor includes several large-span bridges designed to withstand heavy industrial traffic, particularly around the Dangote Refinery axis.
Other Strategic Highway Projects
Umahi also provided updates on other flagship infrastructure projects:
- The Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, a decades-old vision, is now under construction from multiple ends and is expected to reduce travel time between Sokoto and Lagos to about 10 hours
- Ongoing work on the Trans-Saharan Highway is set to improve connectivity between the South-East and Abuja, significantly cutting travel time
Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda
The Federal Government’s Legacy Projects—comprising four major highway corridors—are designed to enhance national integration, stimulate economic growth, and modernise Nigeria’s transport network.
Since assuming office in May 2023, the Tinubu administration has prioritised large-scale infrastructure development under its Renewed Hope Agenda, with a strategic shift toward reinforced concrete technology to ensure long-term durability and cost efficiency.
Umahi emphasised that the latest approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure across all geopolitical zones.
