Ogun state takes charge of Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, set to transform it

In a significant development, the Ogun State government has announced its readiness to assume control of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road construction project from the Federal Government. The state government aims to revamp the road and upgrade it to a world-class carriageway.

The Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, which traverses Lagos and Ogun states, has been in a deteriorating condition for an extended period, causing immense hardships for motorists, particularly the citizens of Ogun State.

Since 2019, the administration led by Governor Dapo Abiodun has been taking steps to address this issue by providing palliatives for the road.

While the previous efforts of Governor Abiodun and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, were met with resistance by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, their persistence finally paid off. The Federal Government announced its approval for the Ogun State Government to initiate the reconstruction of the dilapidated road and introduce tolls.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, made this announcement after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Villa in Abuja on Monday. He mentioned that when requests are made to build federal roads, approvals are granted within 24 hours, but specific conditions must be met, including using the Federal Ministry of Works standard designs.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, expressed gratitude for the federal government’s gesture and lauded Governor Abiodun for his determination to secure the approval.

He revealed that the struggle to gain approval from the federal government commenced immediately after Governor Abiodun assumed office in 2019. Akinsanya emphasized that allowing Ogun to take over the project is a significant development that will benefit the state’s people and other road users.

Akinsanya explained that the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road is approximately 70 kilometers in length, with Ogun State covering about 61 kilometers and Lagos State around 9 kilometers. He also highlighted the state’s efforts in providing palliative works to improve the road’s condition, even while awaiting the federal government’s approval.

With the transfer of control to Ogun State, Akinsanya affirmed their readiness to commence the project immediately, following the necessary paperwork with the federal ministry. The state government will collaborate with the federal ministry of works to meet the federal government’s criteria.

The project will be funded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), and it aims to create trailer parks and other necessary infrastructure. Ogun State plans to work closely with Lagos State to address various operational aspects. Governor Abiodun’s commitment and hard work played a pivotal role in securing this approval, and the state is determined to deliver a high-quality road as swiftly as possible.

This development marks a significant step toward enhancing the transportation infrastructure and improving the lives of the people in Ogun State and beyond.