FG Nears Completion Of 250km Sagamu–Benin Expressway Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the critical Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Ore–Benin Expressway has reached an advanced stage, with massive daily achievements visible across several sections of the over 250-kilometre strategic route.

NaijaChoice News reports that the Federal Government’s bold intervention, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is steadily restoring this key economic corridor that connects the South-West to the South-South and South-East regions, easing long-standing bottlenecks that once plagued commuters and traders alike.

The project, which officially kicked off in October 2024 after a high-level inspection by Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is now witnessing accelerated works under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund initiative. Contractors are deploying rigid pavement technology with reinforced concrete, a shift designed to deliver roads that can last up to 100 years, according to repeated assurances from the Minister.

Progress is most pronounced between Sagamu Interchange and Ijebu Ode, where one carriageway remains open to traffic while the opposite side undergoes full reconstruction. Over 10 kilometres of fresh concrete pavement have already been completed around Ijebu Ode, with steel reinforcement, earthworks, grading, and sub-base preparation moving in seamless coordination. Work is equally gaining momentum towards Ore and Benin City, transforming what was once a nightmare stretch into a modern, durable highway.

China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), handling key phases following earlier contributions by Julius Berger and Reynolds Construction Company, is driving the pace on sections previously awarded under Phase 2. The adoption of reinforced concrete, complete with proper drainage systems and plans for solar-powered street lighting, has drawn widespread praise from road users.

Motorists who spoke to NaijaChoice News described the quality as “world-class,” noting smoother rides, reduced vehicle maintenance costs, and fewer accidents in completed zones despite ongoing activities. Traffic management teams have kept disruptions minimal, with one carriageway always available to ensure free flow even in active work areas.

As finishing touches like lane markings and surface treatments get underway, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its determination to deliver the entire Lagos–Sagamu–Benin Expressway project on schedule. Minister Umahi, during recent assessments, stressed that President Tinubu’s administration is not just fixing roads but building infrastructure that will support Nigeria’s economic growth for generations.

Commuters and business operators along the corridor are already expressing renewed hope for safer, faster travel and boosted trade between the regions. With momentum building daily, the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Ore–Benin Expressway is fast becoming a shining example of the Renewed Hope Agenda in action.