President Bola Tinubu has approved a series of major road infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement and the extension of the Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres.
Minister of Works David Umahi announced the approvals on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja, describing them as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen road infrastructure, improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
According to Umahi, the extension increases the Fourth Legacy Highway from about 700 kilometres to approximately 1,100 kilometres, with the new alignment stretching into Taraba State to enhance links between the North-Central and North-East regions.
The minister also disclosed that Tinubu approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway using reinforced concrete pavement after sections of the highway began deteriorating less than five years after rehabilitation.
He said the decision followed repeated failures of the existing asphalt surface despite maintenance works, adding that reinforced concrete is expected to last between 50 and 100 years with minimal maintenance.
Beyond the Lagos-Ibadan project, the President also approved the completion of the abandoned Ibi Bridge in Taraba State, which was awarded in 2018 but stalled after reaching about 40 per cent completion.
Umahi further announced approval for the construction of the 5.76-kilometre Lau Bridge across the Benue River and the dualisation of an additional 400 kilometres of the East-West Road corridor from Lokoja to Benin to improve traffic flow, safety and economic activities.
The minister also revealed that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway has been renamed the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Coastal Highway, saying the decision recognises Tinubu’s long-standing vision for the project dating back to his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
Providing updates on ongoing projects, Umahi said construction was progressing across various sections of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with the first section nearing completion and work advancing on segments in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ogun and Ondo states.
He also highlighted progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the Trans-Sahara Highway, describing both projects as key components of the Federal Government’s Legacy Projects aimed at improving national integration, reducing travel time and boosting economic development across the country.
