Motorists Lament Gridlock as Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Road Repairs Drag

Motorists and commuters along the Sagamu–Ijebu Ode Expressway have expressed frustration over the slow pace of the ongoing reconstruction, which they say has worsened gridlock and prolonged travel times.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, flagged off the reconstruction of the 60km stretch in February, following years of public complaints about the highway’s deplorable condition. Contractors reportedly moved to site in April, starting from the Sagamu Interchange.

But four months later, road users say progress has been discouraging.

“We are happy the President listened and ordered the reconstruction, but since April or May, the kilometres covered are not encouraging. The road is terrible, and that has led to accidents and vehicle damage,” journalist Joshua Oduneye told The PUNCH.

Commercial driver Olayinka Israel also appealed for faster work, saying, “Yes, it is concrete work, which takes casting and reinforcement, but the government should hasten the process. We are suffering here.”

Others, like Adedayo Adewale, who works at a nearby private university, said they had expected smoother travel by now. “But four months after, the progress has been too slow,” he lamented.

On a visit to the site, only one lane of the dual carriageway had been partially paved, though construction activity was ongoing.

The Treasurer of the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Sagamu, Segun Stainless, said the delays have worsened gridlock.

“Once it’s Monday evening, it can take three hours from Sagamu to the Interchange. The work is okay, but it’s slow,” he noted.

Other motorists complained that the situation has increased fuel costs, reduced earnings, and exposed drivers to extortion by hoodlums.

Still, some urged patience. The union’s secretary, Prince Adesina Tijani, said contractors were working daily and that commuters would benefit once the road is completed.

Officials, however, attributed the pace to seasonal challenges. The Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, explained that the rains had slowed progress.

“You can’t do concrete or asphalt in the rain. If the foundation isn’t solid, it will fail within a short time,” she said, adding that 4km of the 12km Sagamu–Interchange section has been completed, with a two-year delivery timeline.

The Ogun State Government also defended the project, with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s media aide, Kayode Akinmade, stressing that the road is being permanently rebuilt to support key projects such as the Gateway International Airport and nearby industrial zones.

Similarly, Ogun’s Federal Controller of Works, M. O. Komolafe, confirmed the 60km project is split into two sections under Lagos and Ogun, both handled by the same contractor.

“The work will not be abandoned. Funds are available, and the entire stretch will be reinforced concrete,” Komolafe assured, setting August 2028 as the completion date.