Lagos–Ibadan Expressway Reconstruction
A 127 km reconstruction of Nigeria's busiest highway, carrying over 250,000 vehicles daily between Lagos and Ibadan.
The Lagos–Ibadan Expressway is the most heavily trafficked highway in Nigeria, connecting the commercial capital Lagos to Ibadan, the third-largest city. Originally built in the 1970s, the 127.6 km dual carriageway had deteriorated severely. A major reconstruction project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria and Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) in 2013, with the scope expanded to include widening from 4 to 6 lanes in many sections. The project cost has escalated to over $1.5 billion and has seen multiple completion date revisions.
- 01Reconstruct and widen the expressway from 4 to 6 lanes (3 lanes per direction)
- 02Reduce travel time between Lagos and Ibadan from 3-4 hours to under 90 minutes
- 03Improve road safety by eliminating dangerous sections and adding modern features
- 04Reduce vehicle operating costs for the 250,000+ daily users
- 05Construct new interchanges and flyovers at major intersections
- 06Support economic integration of the Lagos-Ibadan-Oyo industrial corridor
2013 · completed
Contract Award
The Federal Government awarded the reconstruction contract to Julius Berger (Section I) and RCC (Section II).
2018 · completed
Construction Acceleration
After years of slow progress due to funding, the Buhari administration allocated additional funding to accelerate work.
2020 · completed
Sections Completed
Several completed sections were opened to traffic, notably the Long Bridge and Sagamu interchange sections.
2022 · completed
70% Completion Reported
The Federal Ministry of Works reported approximately 70% overall project completion across both sections.
2024 · completed
Advanced Completion
Major interchange construction at Ojota, Berger, and Sagamu reached advanced stages with over 85% completion.
2025 · in progress
Final Completion Push
The Tinubu administration targeted full completion with remaining interchange and finishing works underway.
Construction Contractor (Section I)
Julius Berger Nigeria
Handles the Lagos (Ojota) to Sagamu interchange section including major interchanges.
Construction Contractor (Section II)
Reynolds Construction Company (RCC)
Responsible for the Sagamu interchange to Ibadan section of the expressway.
Project Owner
Federal Ministry of Works
The federal ministry overseeing the project on behalf of the Nigerian government.
Financing
Sukuk Bond Financing
Multiple tranches of sovereign Sukuk bonds were issued to fund portions of the reconstruction.
- Rigid and flexible pavement construction
- Grade-separated interchanges and flyovers
- Modern highway drainage systems
- Electronic toll collection systems
- Highway lighting and safety barriers
- Asphalt and concrete overlay technology
What it means for the community
When fully completed, the reconstructed expressway is expected to reduce travel time by 60%, lower vehicle operating costs significantly, and reduce the high accident rate on the corridor. The project supports a corridor generating an estimated 40% of Nigeria's industrial output. Over 10,000 direct construction jobs have been created, and the improved road is vital for food supply chains connecting the agricultural hinterland to Lagos's 20+ million consumers.
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- Federal Government of Nigeria (Federal Ministry of Works)
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