President flags off Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan and Gbongan-Osogbo road projects, urging contractors to deliver quality work within 24 months

President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction of the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road and the reconstruction of the 44-kilometre Gbongan-Osogbo Road, committing ₦216.65 billion to two major highway projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and stimulating economic growth in Osun and neighbouring states.

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Represented at the ceremony in Osogbo on Thursday by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, the President directed contractors handling the projects to deliver quality work within the stipulated 24-month completion period while ensuring value for public funds.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi, APC governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji, traditional rulers and other government officials.

Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the Tinubu Osun Road Projects reflected his administration’s commitment to strengthening transport infrastructure and accelerating economic development across the country.

“Let me assure you, this administration will enforce quality standards, transparency, and value for money. Every Naira must count. Every milestone must be met. And every community must feel the benefit,” the President said.

“To our contractors and engineers, deliver with excellence and speed. To our state and local partners, let us work as one team.

To our citizens, your patience and support will guide this success. Together, we will build not just a road, but trust, not just a route, but a future.”

Tinubu also urged contractors to engage young Nigerians during the execution of the projects, saying the initiative should provide practical training opportunities and contribute to skills development.

According to the President, the Gbongan-Osogbo Road project will rehabilitate approximately 44 kilometres of roadway, including the reconstruction of deteriorated dual carriageway sections and the rehabilitation of failed portions of the existing road.

The project, awarded to Messrs Trucrete Solutions Limited, is valued at ₦101.8 billion and is expected to be completed within 24 months.

Tinubu further disclosed that the 82-kilometre Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan Road, regarded as the shortest highway linking Osogbo and Ibadan through key agricultural communities in Osun and Oyo states, has been awarded to Messrs Peculiar Concerns Limited at a cost of ₦114.85 billion, with the same completion timeline.

Beyond the Osun projects, the President highlighted progress on several flagship federal highway schemes across the country.

He said rehabilitation work on the Ibadan-Ife-Ilesha Road and the dualisation of the Ilesha-Akure-Owo-Benin Road was advancing at different stages.

Tinubu also provided updates on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, revealing that Section One in Lagos had been substantially completed, while construction continued across Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

On the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, he said construction was progressing across multiple sections, with completion rates ranging between 18 per cent and 60 per cent.

He added that work had commenced on parts of the Trans-Sahara trade route, which will connect Calabar through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states to Abuja, while other sections were undergoing design and mobilisation.

The event also featured political remarks from some attendees.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, expressed support for Tinubu’s administration and urged voters to back the President’s re-election bid in 2027, adding that he would not support other presidential aspirants.

Similarly, Governor Okpebholo and Works Minister Umahi appealed to Osun residents to support the ruling party in the forthcoming governorship election, describing it as an opportunity to appreciate the Federal Government’s infrastructure interventions in the state.

The Osogbo-Iwo-Ibadan and Gbongan-Osogbo road projects form part of the Federal Government’s wider infrastructure renewal programme designed to improve road networks, facilitate the movement of goods and services, reduce travel time and strengthen economic integration across Nigeria.

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The investment is expected to deliver a transformative boost to commerce, agriculture and regional mobility by improving access between Osun, Oyo and adjoining states.