The Federal Government has ordered the immediate start of emergency repair works on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Road, following growing concerns over the poor condition of the busy highway and its impact on traffic movement between Lagos and Ogun states.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, gave the directive during an on-the-spot inspection of the road, where he acknowledged the scale of deterioration and the urgent need for intervention. According to him, while about 22 kilometres of the road were assessed, repair efforts will initially concentrate on roughly 18 kilometres of the most severely damaged sections.
Umahi explained that the Federal Government is already overseeing about 60 kilometres along the corridor, with construction and repairs being carried out in phases, depending on the level of damage and urgency. He said the failures observed on the road were largely due to unresolved concession arrangements and faulty engineering decisions made during earlier construction.
To minimise disruption to road users, the minister said repair works would begin immediately and would largely be carried out at night. The focus, he noted, would be on failed sections that currently slow down traffic and pose risks to motorists.
He added that low-lying and badly damaged portions of the road would be reconstructed using concrete to improve durability and reduce the chances of repeated failure. Umahi also pointed out that the Ota-bound carriageway has suffered more extensive damage compared to the Lagos-bound side.
Looking ahead, the minister disclosed that a second phase of the project would involve full resurfacing of the road, replacement of worn-out bridge expansion joints, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights to improve visibility and safety.
Umahi assured road users that once the ongoing works are completed, the concessionaire would take over the operation and maintenance of the road to ensure it remains in good condition.
The intervention is expected to bring relief to thousands of commuters and businesses that rely daily on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta corridor, which is one of the most important links between Lagos and Ogun states.
