RismadarVoice Reporters, August 7, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the Osogbo–Akoda–Gbangan and Osogbo–Iwo–Ibadan roads, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening transportation infrastructure and driving economic growth in Osun and Oyo states.
The projects, launched on Friday in Osogbo, are part of the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing road safety, facilitating trade and boosting socio-economic development across the country.
Representing President Tinubu at the ground-breaking ceremony, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the reconstruction of the roads marked another milestone in the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal programme.
“We are not just turning soil; we are turning a page of opportunities and restoring confidence,” Oyetola declared, noting that the roads, which were originally executed during his tenure as Governor of Osun State, would now be rebuilt using durable rigid pavement technology.
He described the projects as critical infrastructure that would improve connectivity, enhance road safety and stimulate economic activities in the South-West.
According to him, the scope of work includes site clearance, removal of unsuitable materials, milling of the existing asphalt pavement, construction of a 100mm wet-crushed stone base, a 200mm cement-stabilised base course, and a 200mm continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) for both carriageways and shoulders.
Oyetola said the completed roads would unlock economic opportunities, create jobs, improve the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods, and enhance the quality of life for residents and road users.
He urged the contractors handling the projects to deliver them within the approved engineering standards and timelines.
Earlier, the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, said the projects reflected President Tinubu’s determination to deliver critical road infrastructure nationwide through strategic investments.
According to him, the President’s vision is to connect communities with strong economic potential through road networks that promote trade, improve security, create employment and accelerate national development.
Umahi explained that the roads would significantly reduce travel time, lower transportation and vehicle maintenance costs, facilitate the movement of agricultural products and commercial goods, strengthen security and boost business activities across the region.
He added that the roads were being constructed to the highest engineering standards and would require minimal maintenance for several decades.
Addressing concerns over government borrowing, the minister defended the administration’s infrastructure financing strategy, saying the loans were investments targeted at reviving and completing strategic road projects abandoned for many years.
“For those questioning government borrowing money, this is the answer. The funds are being invested to revive and complete strategic road projects that have remained abandoned for decades,” he said.
Umahi assured residents of Osun and Oyo states that the projects would be completed within the contractual timelines and appealed to host communities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support the contractors to ensure smooth execution.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Rafiu Adeladan, described the flag-off as another milestone in President Tinubu’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure.
He noted that the roads would serve as major socio-economic corridors and urged the contractors to maintain strict adherence to quality standards and project deadlines.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Sen. Allwell Onyesoh, and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to providing adequate funding and effective oversight for road projects across the country.
They commended President Tinubu for prioritising infrastructure development and praised the Ministry of Works for the pace of road construction across the six geopolitical zones.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Managing Director of Trucrete Solutions Limited, Roze Mohammed Sherani, and Managing Director of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Engr. Olanrewaju Abel Adeleke, assured the Federal Government that the projects would be completed within the stipulated contractual specifications.
Traditional rulers, including the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, welcomed the reconstruction of the long-deteriorated roads, describing the projects as transformational and a major boost to economic development in the region.
The ceremony was attended by the governors of Kogi and Edo states, members of the National Assembly, senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.
The Federal Government said the projects represent another significant step in implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strategic infrastructure development at the centre of national economic growth, regional integration and inclusive prosperity.
