Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road
a significant move to alleviate the suffering of thousands of commuters, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has ordered the immediate commencement of palliative works on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Road. This directive comes as a response to the severe degradation of the highway, which has long been a nightmare for motorists traveling between Lagos and Ogun States.
To minimize traffic disruption on this critical economic corridor, the Minister has specifically mandated that the repairs be carried out primarily at night.
A Swift Response to “Drum Holes”
During an extensive inspection of the federal highway on Monday, January 12, 2026, Minister Umahi assessed approximately 22 kilometers of the route. He identified about 18 kilometers of the most distressed sections that require urgent intervention.
The Minister noted that the road’s current state—characterized by what local residents often call “drum holes” rather than potholes—is a result of unresolved concession issues and past engineering miscalculations. “We are focusing on the sections that have completely failed and are preventing the free movement of vehicles,” Umahi stated during the tour.
Why Night Repairs?
One of the most strategic aspects of this order is the emphasis on night-time operations. Recognizing that the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Expressway is one of the busiest in the country, the Federal Government aims to:
- Reduce Traffic Congestion: Daytime construction on such a narrow, failed corridor would lead to total gridlock.
- Increase Productivity: Working at night allows contractors to move heavy machinery and materials more freely.
- Ensure Safety: With fewer civilian vehicles on the road, the risk of accidents involving road workers is significantly reduced.
Concrete Technology: A Permanent Solution
A major highlight of Senator Umahi’s tenure at the Ministry of Works is the shift toward concrete pavement technology. During the inspection, he reiterated that low-lying, failed areas of the Ota-bound carriageway—which has suffered more severe damage than the Lagos-bound side—will be reconstructed using reinforced concrete.
”Concrete is the answer to the threat of water to asphalt pavements,” the Minister explained. This shift is expected to provide a more durable surface that can withstand the heavy tonnage of trucks frequenting the industrial hubs in Ota and Agbara.
Phases of the Rehabilitation Project
The Minister outlined a multi-phase plan to ensure the road remains motorable while a long-term solution is finalized:
- Immediate Palliatives: Filling of critical failures and night-time repairs to restore traffic flow immediately.
- Full Resurfacing: A second phase involving total resurfacing of the 18km stretch.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Replacement of bridge expansion joints and the installation of solar streetlights to improve visibility and security for night travelers.
- Concession and Maintenance: Once the works are completed, a concessionaire will take over the operation and maintenance of the road to ensure it does not fall back into disrepair.
The Federal Government’s Commitment
The Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta road project has faced numerous delays over the past eight years. However, Minister Umahi reassured Nigerians that the current administration is committed to finishing what was started. He mentioned that the government is already handling about 60km along the corridor, executing the work in phases based on urgency and available funding.
Furthermore, the Minister used the opportunity to highlight other successes, noting that the first phase of the Lagos-Badagry Highway is now 95% completed, showcasing a broader trend of infrastructure revitalization in the Southwest region
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