Ogun State to Take Over Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road Project from Federal Government

• Ogun State is ready to take over the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road project from the federal government and transform it into a world-class highway
• The state’s plan to take over the road project received federal government approval, with certain conditions, including meeting federal standards and implementing a tolling system for cost recovery

The Ogun State government has expressed its readiness to take over the construction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road project from the federal government and upgrade it into a world-class highway.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced that any state willing to take over road projects in their domain would receive 24-hour approval. However, certain conditions must be met for this agreement to take effect, including adhering to the Federal Ministry of Works’ standards and implementing a tolling system to recoup their investment.

The Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway has been in disrepair for years, with motorists and travellers consistently calling for rehabilitation.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, revealed that the federal government has granted approval for the state to embark on the reconstruction of the road and implement tolling.

The approval process began in 2019 when Governor Abiodun, in collaboration with his Lagos counterpart, Jide Sanwo-Olu, initiated efforts to secure the federal government’s approval. The Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road is approximately 70km long, with 61km located in Ogun State and 9km in Lagos State.

Despite awaiting official approval, Ogun State has already begun rehabilitating the road since 2019. With the transfer process now complete, the state is prepared to take immediate action and improve the road’s condition, pending paperwork between the state and the federal ministry.

Ashiru replaces Umahi as Senate Deputy Leader

The Senate on Wednesday appointed Senator Oyelola Yisa Ashiru of the All Progressives Congress representing Kwara South as its new Deputy Leader of the Senate.

The Senate also appointed Senator Nwebonyi Onyeka as the new Deputy Chief Whip.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the new appointments at plenary.

Ashiru, who was hitherto the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate was elevated to the position of deputy leader of the Senate which became vacant, following the appointment of Senator Dave Umahi as Minister of Works by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.