Lagos-Ibadan Expressway Guide 2026: Traffic, Repairs, and Survival Tips
As the busiest inter-state route in Africa, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway remains the heartbeat of Nigerian commerce. However, with the February 2026 partial closure of Kara Bridge, travel planning is more critical than ever. Whether you are a student, a businessman, or a first-time traveler, here is the ground reality of the "Express."
Current Road Status: The February 2026 Bridge Repairs
The Federal Ministry of Works has announced a six-week partial closure (commencing February 2026) for urgent expansion joint repairs at:
Kara Bridge (The most congested point).
Magboro Bridge.
Arepo-Punch Bridge.
The Impact: Traffic is diverted to one lane in specific sections. Expect an additional 45–60 minutes of travel time during peak hours.
Travel Time & Peak Periods
In 2026, the standard travel time from Berger (Lagos) to Challenge (Ibadan) is 1 hour 15 minutes on a clear day.
Morning Peak (Lagos Bound): 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM (Heavy inward traffic).
Evening Peak (Ibadan Bound): 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Commuter rush at Long Bridge).
The "Friday Factor": Avoid the road between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Fridays due to religious gatherings at the Redemption Camp and Mountain of Fire (MFM) areas.
Expressway Emergency Numbers
| FRSC (Accidents/Breakdowns): | 122 |
| Ogun State TRACE: | 0803 423 2723 |
| Police Control Room: | 0808 177 0416 |
Tolling and the "GSI" Policy for Motorists
As of 2026, the Federal Government is finalizing the electronic tolling system.
Payment Method: Most tolls will be cashless, linked to your vehicle's license plate.
GSI for Fines: Be warned—under the updated road safety laws, unpaid traffic fines can now be recovered directly from your bank account via the Global Standing Instruction (GSI) if linked to your BVN.
Expressway FAQs
Is the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway fully completed?
While the main carriage way is 100% complete, periodic maintenance on bridges (like Kara and Magboro) continues in 2026 to ensure safety.
What is the safest time to travel?
Statistically, between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday is the safest and fastest window for travel.
