President Bola Tinubu has officially flagged off the construction of the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and the dualisation of the Osogbo-Gbongan Road in Osun State, directing the contractors handling the projects to commence work immediately.
The projects include the reconstruction of the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and the dualisation of the 44-kilometre Osogbo-Gbongan Road. Both roads will be constructed using Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), a technology designed to improve durability and reduce maintenance costs.
Representing the President at the flag-off ceremony held on Thursday at Aje International Market in Osogbo, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the projects underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding road infrastructure, improving transportation networks and stimulating economic development.
According to him, the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road contract was awarded to Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns at a cost of ₦114.85 billion, while the Osogbo-Gbongan Road project was awarded to Messrs Trucrete Solutions Limited for ₦101.81 billion. Both projects are expected to be completed within 24 months.
Tinubu said the road projects are strategic investments aimed at enhancing connectivity between communities, improving road safety and creating opportunities for economic growth.
He described the roads as critical transport corridors that will facilitate the movement of people and goods while boosting commercial and agricultural activities across Osun and neighbouring Oyo State.
The President explained that the Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road serves as the shortest route linking Osogbo to Ibadan and passes through several major agricultural communities, while the Osogbo-Gbongan Road connects important towns in Osun State and links directly to the Ife-Ibadan Expressway.
He disclosed that the scope of work includes site clearing, earthworks, drainage systems, stone base installation, reinforced concrete pavement, solar-powered streetlights, CCTV surveillance, landscaping and the construction of lay-bys where necessary.
Tinubu also stressed that contractors must move to the project sites without delay, warning that any unnecessary delay in execution would not be tolerated.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, defended the Federal Government’s decision to borrow funds for infrastructure development, saying the loans are being invested in long-lasting road projects capable of transforming Nigeria’s economy.
Umahi urged Nigerians who question the government’s borrowing to visit ongoing federal road projects across the country to assess the scale of development.
He stated that the roads being constructed are designed to last for about 100 years with minimal maintenance, describing them as investments that will benefit future generations.
The minister highlighted progress on the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, revealing that Section One in Sokoto State has reached 40 per cent completion, Section Two in Kebbi State stands at 60 per cent, while Section Three in Ogun State has attained 18 per cent completion. He added that work has also commenced on the Oyo section of the project.
Umahi further disclosed that construction is progressing on sections of the Trans-Sahara Trade Route, which links Calabar to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, while engineering designs are ongoing for other sections.
He maintained that the road projects would attract private investment, create employment opportunities and improve economic activities nationwide, adding that some completed roads would eventually be operated under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements with tolling introduced to support maintenance and sustainability.
Tinubu Flags Off ₦216.66bn Osun Road Projects, Orders Immediate Mobilisation of Contractors OSOGBO, Osun State
