Ibadan–Ijebu Ode road dualisation will boost Ogun economy

By Adebola Muili

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road as a major boost to connectivity, commerce and sustainable economic growth across Ogun, Oyo and the wider South-West.

Abiodun stated this on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a day after the Federal Government officially flagged off the project, saying the strategic road would improve access to Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye and the Gateway International Airport in Iperu, while strengthening the state’s industrial and agricultural corridors.

The governor, in a statement, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda and also praised the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and his team for taking the project to the implementation stage.

According to him, the commencement of the project marks another significant step towards improving mobility, expanding commerce and deepening economic integration across the South-West.

“The commencement of the dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road yesterday marks another major milestone in our collective drive for better connectivity, stronger commerce and sustainable economic growth across Ogun, Oyo and the wider South-West region,” Abiodun said.

He said the project was particularly significant to Ogun State because of its potential to strengthen industrial clusters, agricultural communities and commercial centres along the corridor.

Abiodun added that the road project would complement the state government’s ongoing investments in roads, aviation, agriculture, industry and logistics under its Building Our Future Together Agenda.

He expressed confidence that the completed road would reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, create employment opportunities and attract further investments to communities along the corridor.

The governor urged the contractor to deliver the project to the highest standards and within the stipulated timeframe, while calling on residents and host communities to cooperate with the government and contractor for its successful execution.

The Federal Government had on Monday flagged off the reconstruction and dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road at Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, with President Tinubu represented by Governor Abiodun. The project is designed to strengthen the economic link between Oyo and Ogun states and improve connectivity to the Lagos economic corridor.

At the ceremony, Tinubu described the corridor as a major economic artery linking Ibadan, Ijebu-Ode and the Lekki economic axis, saying its importance extended beyond the two states.

The President said improved road infrastructure would boost commerce, enhance productivity, reduce transportation costs and create employment opportunities for farmers, traders, manufacturers and other Nigerians.

He disclosed that the project would involve the construction of about 58 kilometres of dual carriageway using continuous reinforced concrete pavement for durability and long-term value, while the contractor had assured the government that the work would be completed in less than 24 months.

Tinubu also approved the immediate reconstruction and dualisation of the Abeokuta–Ibadan Road, saying the intervention would further improve connectivity between the two major cities and stimulate economic activities across Ogun and Oyo states.

Also speaking at the flag-off, Umahi said the Federal Government was expanding infrastructure interventions across the South-West, while urging residents of communities along the route to support the contractor for the timely completion of the project.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Rasak Adenugba, also welcomed the project, noting that the poor condition of the road had affected commerce and contributed to security challenges along the corridor.

The Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road is expected to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, strengthen economic activities and deepen integration between Ogun, Oyo, Lagos and other parts of the South-West.