Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway repairs stall months after FEC approval
…As frustration persists amid accidents, gridlocks, others
By Sodiq Adelakun
It has been months since the Federal Government granted approval for the Ogun State Government to take over the construction of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, but there has been no visible progress on the project.
Recall that the approval was announced in October last year by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at Aso Villa, Abuja.
The move was meant to bring relief to motorists and residents who have endured years of gridlocks, accidents, and frustration on the dilapidated road.
However, despite the announcement, there has been no clear signal of progress on the project.
Also, in October last year, the entourage of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, 10 other senators, and Governor Dapo Abiodun found themselves stuck in traffic for three hours on the notorious Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta highway.
The convoy was en route to Ilaro to attend the grand finale of the 2023 Yewa Cultural Festival.
The same highway that residents have been complaining about for years, finally got the attention of the high-ranking officials, albeit in a frustrating way.
Senator Akpabio, said at the programme, said travelling on the road he experienced first-hand the hardship Nigerians using the road were being subjected to and promised to give the necessary support to Ogun State to ensure the reconstruction of the road.
He said, “The 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is going to get the list of things you want us to do here.
“I saw the road; two trucks fell on the road, so we ended up spending over two hours on the road. I was determined to go through the road that you go through. Now, I have seen what you have been seeing. From today, I prophesy that your roads are done.
“Yewaland has the greatest number of industries that a local government can ever have in Nigeria. Therefore, we recognise the need to use the best set of contractors to do your roads because of the wear and tear. I assure you that we will be working with our brother, Dapo Abiodun. Your lives will not be the same again.”
Since then nothing has changed, not a single tractor has been deployed to the expressway to indicate a move that the government is serious about the repair works it promised.
Also, the Ogun State Government was given the green light to embark on the reconstruction of the road and toll it, but the lack of action has left many wondering if the project is still on track.
Motorists and residents are growing increasingly frustrated as the road continues to deteriorate, leading to frequent gridlocks, accidents, and losses.
The situation has become unbearable, and many are calling on the government to take immediate action to address the situation.
The state government was given the green light to reconstruct the road and implement tolling to manage its maintenance.
However, several months have passed since this announcement, and there is little to show in terms of actual progress. The anticipated reconstruction efforts seem to be caught in a quagmire of delays, leaving commuters and residents frustrated.
The dilapidated state of the expressway continues to cause significant hardship, with no clear timeline for when the much-needed repairs will commence.
In March 2024, the Ogun State Executive Council, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, approved seven major priority projects, reflecting a broader agenda for infrastructure development.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, outlined these projects, which included the reconstruction of six roads and the procurement of equipment for the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport.
Among these projects include: The 5.5km stretch from Ode Remo Junction to Sapade (phase 3), The rehabilitation of the Ayepe Junction to Mayflower route in Ikenne Local Government, The reconstruction of Adesan Street, off Mowe-Ofada Road in Obafemi Owode Local Government, Structural adjustments for the 19.2km Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road in Ado Odo/Ota Local Government, The construction of Hospital Road in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government.
Palliative measures and immediate actions
In the wake of severe flooding caused by recent rainfall, the state government has initiated palliative measures at the Iyana Ilogbo bus stop along the Abule Egba-Ota/Sango-Abeokuta Expressway. These temporary fixes are aimed at providing some relief to commuters, though they fall short of the comprehensive reconstruction promised.
The Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, once a vital artery for transportation, has further degenerated into a dangerous and frustrating path for motorists, residents, and traders in the Ilepa, Ayede, and Pakoto areas. The potholes have expanded into craters and ditches of varying sizes and depths, causing gridlocks, accidents, and significant hardship for road users.
Past repairs prove insufficient
Despite past repair efforts in the Sango, Joju, and Ijako market areas, the road’s condition has continued to deteriorate. The recent collapse of two trucks has added to the chaos, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive reconstruction.
On Thursday, the Joju area was flooded after a downpour, disrupting the already troubled commute for many.
Frustration mounts amid inaction
Motorists are now resorting to driving against traffic to avoid the worst-affected areas, worsening the danger and confusion on the road. Residents and traders suffer as the prolonged neglect of the expressway takes its toll on daily life.
The situation is a stark reminder of the road’s troubled history; awarded to Julius Berger Plc by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, the project has faced perennial setbacks due to funding issues, leading to its abandonment by the contractor.
Rainy season worsens conditions
The rainy season has exacerbated the road’s deplorable state, making it nearly impassable for vehicles.
A recent tour by our correspondent of the stretch from Onihale through Ilepa, Ayede, Pakoto, and Ifo revealed significant delays on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Many motorists were trapped for hours in a heavy gridlock caused by the poor road conditions and the stalling of two trucks loaded with containers.
Many were trapped for hours in a heavy gridlock caused by the deplorable road conditions and the stalling of two trucks loaded with containers on the expressway.
Trucks block road, aggravating gridlock
Our correspondent gathered that the first truck fell on Wednesday, and without any immediate attempt to tow or remove it, remained at the spot. The following day, another truck fell near the first one, worsening the gridlock and amplifying the frustrations of road users.
Motorists and residents have voiced their demands for action from government authorities, but so far, no effective solution has been implemented.
Motorists, residents, road users demand immediate Govt action
Travelling on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway has become an ordeal for those using buses, tricycles, trucks, or motorcycles.
Motorists often drive against traffic to avoid the most deplorable sections, particularly in the Ilepa, Ayede, and Pakoto areas of Ifo Local Government.
While the drive from Sango through Joju, Singer, and Iyana-Ilogbo is relatively smooth, the situation deteriorates dramatically from Ilepa through Bosun Sawyer, Pakoto, Vulcanizer, and Bungalow to Vespa, where road conditions are severely poor.
A frustrated motorist, Mr. Babajide Aliu, has condemned the neglect of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, especially in the Ilepa, Ayede, and Pakoto areas.
He described the road’s condition as “unacceptable” and criticised the government for failing to maintain and rehabilitate this critical federal road, leading to gridlocks, accidents, and vehicle damage.
Despite numerous promises, no substantial action has been taken, leaving road users in a perpetual state of frustration.
Aliu urged the government to take immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of motorists and residents.
According to him, “This is unacceptable, the deplorable state of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, particularly in Ilepa, Ayede, Pakoto area, is a clear indication of government neglect.
“As a motorist, I’ve experienced firsthand the frustration and danger of using this road. The constant gridlocks, accidents, and damage to vehicles are a result of the government’s failure to maintain and rehabilitate this critical federal road.
“It’s appalling that despite the promises made, nothing has been done to address this issue. The government needs to take immediate action to fix this road and ensure the safety of road users.”
Also, a tricycle operator, Ahmed, has expressed his frustration over the neglect of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, particularly in the Ilepa, Ayede, Pakoto area.
He described the road’s condition as a “nightmare” and slammed the government for failing to clear two broken-down trucks, causing gridlocks and hardship for road users.
Ahmed demanded immediate action, saying, “This is Renewed Shege! We’re tired of promises, we need action! Fix this road now!” His outburst reflects the frustration of many commuters who use the expressway daily.”
In a simultaneous interview with angry passengers who got down from the bus they boarded from Sango under bridge, one Mr. Babatunde Tope, said, “The government has abandoned us to suffer on this federal road, I’ve lost count of how many hours I’ve wasted in gridlocks. The road is a death trap! They need to fix it now instead of concentrating on one useless national anthem that does not add value to the life of Nigerians”
In the same vein, Madam Akintayo Temitope who spoke to our correspondent said angrily, “We’ve been walking for hours because of the gridlock. Our leaders are heartless. Dapo Abiodun, you’ve failed us! Fix this road now.”
Angry commuters have slammed the Ogun State government over the neglect of the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, which has left motorists and residents suffering.
Mr. Babatunde Oreoluwa, a frustrated passenger, expressed his discontent, saying, “The road is in shambles. Governor Dapo Abiodun needs to take action and fix the road. We’re tired of excuses.”
