Ogun begins repair of Sagamu-Ore-Benin expressway

The Ogun state government has commenced the reconstruction of a failed section of the Sagamu-Ore-Benin expressway. 

Dapo Abiodun, governor of the state, made an unplanned visit to the damaged section on Sunday.

He noted that the road, which connects Lagos through Ogun state, to the south-east and south-south regions, has been in a deplorable state for a while, causing hardship for commuters and worsening gridlock. 

Abiodun said while contract for the reconstruction was awarded by past administrations, the contractors began work from the Benin end, progressed to the outskirts of Ijebu-Ode, but abandoned the project near the interchange due to a lack of funding.

“This is a federal road, and it’s likely the most important road to southern Nigeria because it facilitates the movement of goods and people from Lagos through Ogun state to the south-east and south-south regions,” he said.

“The reconstruction of this road was awarded several years ago by previous administrations. Unfortunately, it started from the Benin end.

“Curiously, we were told that the budget wasn’t sufficient to complete the project to the Sagamu interchange. It stopped around the outskirts of Ijebu-Ode.

“What we’re witnessing today is the suffering of our people. Over the past few days, the road has been completely impassable.

“A drainage system that is supposed to carry water from a canal beneath this road is entirely blocked, and that’s the cause of this problem.”

Abiodun said officials from the state ministries of works and environment are working to create a new drainage system to divert water from the road, with the damaged portion filled with hardcore. 

He said he has informed the minister of works about the road’s condition, and the  minister has promised to consider awarding a contract for its rehabilitation. 

Abiodun also noted  that he has spoken with President Bola Tinubu about the urgent need for federal intervention on the road.

“Let me confirm that last Thursday, I brought this issue to the attention of Mr President. Ogun state has been responsive, and let no one think otherwise,” he added.

“Knowing that the federal government has several critical roads to address, we have already deployed our ministries of works and environment to the site.

“They’ve identified the immediate cause of the problem, which is a blocked drainage system.

“I have requested that Mr President instruct the ministry of works to urgently award this road to a reputable contractor, and I know they’re working on it.

“However, Mr President has also authorised me to take action. If we don’t receive a timely response, the Ogun state government will take ownership of this section and proceed with repairs,” he added.