FG Blamed by Governor Abiodun for Delay in Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway Reconstruction

• Governor Dapo Abiodun criticized the Federal Government for the slow progress in reconstructing the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos expressway
• Abiodun highlighted delays due to bureaucratic processes, including the absence of an extract from the Federal Executive Council endorsing concessioning

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has pointed fingers at the federal government for the sluggish pace of the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Ota-Lagos expressway.

Last year, following a briefing after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Villa, Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government had awarded the road’s reconstruction to the Ogun State Government under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). However, the reconstruction has not commenced over three months since the approval.

Governor Abiodun revealed that while the initial estimated cost for the reconstruction stood at about N70 billion, the current figure could surpass N150 billion due to soaring prices of essential materials like asphalt, diesel, and cement, driven by inflation.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun clarified that despite presidential approval for the road’s takeover, the final process was impeded by the absence of an extract from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) endorsing the concessioning.

He emphasized that the concessioning process hinges on issuing an extract by FEC, which would formally transfer the road to the Ogun State Government, enabling them to raise funds and engage with investors for the project.

Highlighting the state government’s efforts to alleviate the road’s condition, Commissioner for Works Ade Akinsanya noted ongoing palliative measures initiated since 2019. He reiterated Governor Abiodun’s commitment to addressing the road’s challenges and expressed readiness to expedite the project once the necessary paperwork with the federal ministry is completed.

Governor Abiodun underscored the urgency of obtaining FEC’s approval to kickstart the reconstruction, affirming the state government’s determination to enhance the road’s condition and alleviate the plight of commuters.