Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: FG Appeals For Patience, Says Reconstruction Work On Final Stretch Progressing Satisfactorily …Work within OPIC area between Kara Bridge and Long Bridge completed, to be opened to traffic Sunday (April 30) As the reconstruction work on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway enters its final phase, the Federal Government has appealed for patience and understanding of motorists on account of the heavy traffic being experienced on the stretch from Toll Gate to Kara Bridge in Lagos. The Hon. Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN in a Press Release signed by his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr Hakeem Bello, said he empathizes with members of the public who have had to endure longer than usual traffic as the reconstruction work in the heavily built-up stretch progresses towards the finish line. According to the Minister, the intensity of work and the high volume of traffic which had to be accommodated at the same time have been complicated by impatience on the part of some motorists who drive against the planned traffic flow and breakdown of vehicles. He however noted that the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing is working with the Lagos State Government, all traffic management and security agencies to minimize the discomfort of motorists. The Minister also explained that the contractors are also being encouraged to ensure that the final challenging phase of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction work are concluded as soon as possible.  While noting that the earlier envisaged April 30 date for conclusion of the final stretch could not be achieved due to a combination of factors, work within the OPIC area between Kara Bridge and the Long Bridge has been completed and would be opened to traffic tomorrow, Sunday (April 30). This means that the main carriageway, both bounds, from Berger (New Garage) and Sagamu Inter-change on Section 1 of the Project has been completed.  All attention, according to the Minister, would now be focused on the outstanding work between Otedola Bridge and Berger (both bounds).  ...

FG Poised To Commission Abuja Kano Expressway The Federal Government has given the assurance that section 2 and 3 of the Abuja - Kano expressway will be completed and  commissioned by President Muhammad Buhari before the end of his tenure  this year, May, 29th. 2023. This assurance was given by the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari who was taken on a  press - inspection tour of the road by the Minister of Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN. The Chief of Staff who expressed satisfaction with the work done said, "Both section 2 and 3 will be completed and ready for commissioning by President Muhammad Buhari before the end of the tenure of his administration". He disclosed that another legacy project of the President, the 2nd Niger bridge will also be commissioned by the President before he leaves office. He recalled that the bridge had been opened for road users during the last Christmas season to ease the hardship that people had  suffered for years now  The COS praised the President for his outstanding and commendable commitment to infrastructural development across the country. "We want to commend Mr President for making the resources available so that this kind of progress can be made", he said.  The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola SAN  explained that section 3 of the road which is from Kaduna to Kano is 137 kilometres, which is longer than the Lagos - Ibadan expressway which is 127 kilometres while section 2 of the road which stretches from Zaria to Kaduna is 73 kilometres.  He added  that though  the Lagod - Ibadan expressway started earlier both projects are being completed around the same time.  On why work on  the section 1 of the road which is from Abuja from Zaria was not progressing like the other two, the Minister attributed the reasons to criminal activities which stalled the work for about a year in 2022, issues about right of way because of the need to relocate buildings, markets electricity installations, utilities all of which must be addressed before the contractor can do his job.  He said  that work on that section of the road was ongoing just as the required collaboration between the Ministry and the Federal Capital Territory Minster and the Governors of Niger and Kaduna states whose territories are connected to the 265 kilometres road is going on.  Fashola gave the assurance that the section will be completed by the next administration as soon as possible as funding which is being provided by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority is readily available.  The Managing Director of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr Aminu Umar Sadiq affirmed his organisation's commitment and readiness to provide the funding for the project. ...

Road Completion: Nigerians Should Be Proud Of Loko Oweto Project- Fashola  The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN affirmed that the  “ Loko- Oweto bridge is 200 metres longer than the 2nd Niger Bridge , how many African countries are able to do this ? Nigerians should be very proud of this project”. He made this remark during the pre–inspection of the bridge for commissioning in Nasarawa State . Fashola further remarked “In January I was here to asses the level and  progress of work  so far done and at the  end of March.  I am here today when the contractors indicated that  they have completed work and all our officers reported it as well ,  they deserve commendation from Nigerians for the job.”  The Minister said “this is the bridge that crosses river Benue and links the North to the  South , adding that  “ the bridge will reduce travel time , it will reduce travel cost and greatly enhance the   ease of doing business”  Speaking further, Fashola said the report of this working visit to the site of the  bridge  would be sent to the Presidency where the date of the commissioning of the bridge  would then be decided. While commenting on the Lagos – Ibadan road , the Minister appealed for continuous perseverance and understanding of all road users, as traffic had to be diverted  during construction  adding that the road is among the busiest in the country, he  told journalists that the Lagos – Ibadan road would be completed in April of  2023 as planned , in addition , he also  said that in May of 2023 the  2nd Niger bridge would be commissioned and opened to the traffic as well. The Federal Controller of Works Nasarawa State , Mr Idah Daikwo who accompanied the Minister on the inspection of the Loko Oweto  bridge said “ the speed of completion  and quality  of works on  the bridge is second to none , I commend the Honourable Minister for this laudable Legacy project” ...