Motorists and pedestrians have expressed growing frustration over persistent traffic congestion along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Expressway, attributing the delays to the slow pace of ongoing road reconstruction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, had in February inaugurated the rehabilitation of the 60-kilometre stretch from Sagamu Interchange to Itele, on the outskirts of Ijebu Ode, responding to years of public complaints over the road’s deteriorated condition. Contractors reportedly mobilized in April, starting work from the Sagamu Express Junction.

However, commuters reported that progress has been painfully slow, resulting in prolonged traffic jams and prompting some drivers to navigate against traffic to avoid damaged sections.

Journalist Joshua Oduneye welcomed the intervention but criticized the pace, noting, “We are pleased that President Bola Tinubu ordered the reconstruction, but since April or May, the progress has been discouraging. The road remains hazardous, contributing to accidents and vehicle damage.”

Olayinka Israel, a driver on the Lagos–Ore route, also expressed concern. “Yes, concrete work requires casting and reinforcement, but the government should accelerate the process. We are struggling,” he said. Another road user, Adedayo Adewale, who works at a private university along the corridor, lamented that four months into the project, improvements were barely noticeable.

From the Interchange, only one lane of the dual carriageway has been partially paved, though work was observed to be ongoing during a site visit. Segun Stainless, treasurer of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Sagamu, said traffic congestion had worsened due to the slow pace. “On Monday evenings, it can take up to three hours from Sagamu to the Interchange. The work is necessary, but it’s progressing too slowly,” he noted.

Motorist Gbenga Johnson said the delays were affecting earnings. “We burn more fuel stuck in traffic, but passengers refuse to pay extra. Sometimes, it takes three hours just for this stretch,” he explained. Seun Ibisesan, another commuter, added that some criminals have taken advantage of the congestion to extort drivers, particularly truck operators.

Despite complaints, some urged patience. Prince Adesina Tijani, Secretary of NURTW in the area, said, “The contractors work from Monday to Sunday. Once completed, commuters will benefit from a much-improved road.”

The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, cited the rainy season as a factor slowing construction. “Concrete or asphalt cannot be laid in the rain. Without a solid foundation, the road would deteriorate quickly,” she said. Kesha added that almost 4km of the 12km Interchange–Sagamu section has been completed since work began, with the project scheduled for a two-year timeline.

The Ogun State Government also defended the pace of the project. Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, said the rehabilitation aims for a permanent solution. “Previously, palliative works were washed away by rain. Now, the government is ensuring a lasting fix. This corridor connects to the Gateway International Airport and serves key industrial areas, making it vital to Ogun State and Nigeria’s economy,” he stated.

Similarly, the Federal Controller of Works for Ogun State, M.O. Komolafe, explained that the project is divided into two sections: Interchange to Iperu-Remo Junction (12km), overseen from Lagos, and Iperu-Remo to Ajebamdele, under Ogun. Both sections are being executed by the same contractor and are expected to be completed by August 2028. “The project will not be abandoned. Funds are available, and the entire stretch will be reinforced concrete,” Komolafe added.

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