Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Expansion Project Reaches 80% Completion

The federal government has announced that the long-awaited Lagos-Ibadan Expressway expansion project is now 80% complete, with full commissioning expected before the end of the year.

After nearly a decade of construction delays, cost overruns, and commuter frustration, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway expansion project has reached the 80% completion milestone. The Federal Ministry of Works announced the progress update at a site inspection on Thursday, confirming that the project remains on track for full commissioning before the end of the year.

The ₦200 billion project, which began in 2017, involves expanding the critical 127-kilometer corridor from two lanes to six lanes, with additional flyovers at major intersections, improved drainage systems, and modern rest stops. When completed, it will represent the most significant road infrastructure upgrade in southwestern Nigeria since independence.

"Today we can confidently say that the nightmare of this expressway is almost over," declared the Minister of Works during the inspection. "The remaining work is primarily surfacing, signage, and lighting installation. We're in the final stretch."

The announcement was met with cautious optimism by the thousands of commuters who use the expressway daily. The route, which connects Nigeria's commercial capital to the industrial hub of Ibadan, has been notorious for traffic gridlock, particularly around the notorious Kara and Mowe sections.

Business groups have welcomed the news. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce estimates that the completed expressway could reduce transport costs by up to 30% and significantly improve the movement of goods between Lagos ports and inland markets.

Environmental activists have raised concerns about the ecological impact of the expanded road, particularly regarding water runoff and the destruction of green corridors. The ministry has committed to planting 50,000 trees along the expressway as part of a mitigation plan.

The remaining 20% of the project is expected to be completed within four months, with a tentative commissioning date set for October 2026. The government has also announced plans for similar expansion projects on the Abuja-Kano and Port Harcourt-Aba expressways.