Minister of Works has Directed Immediate Night Repairs on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Road to Restore Traffic Flow
The Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway is one of Nigeria's most vital transport links
The Federal Government has directed the immediate commencement of night-time palliative repairs on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Road to address critical structural failures and restore the flow of traffic on the essential corridor. The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, issued the directive on Monday, January 12, 2026, during an intensive inspection of federal highways linking Lagos and Ogun States. The move aims to provide immediate relief to commuters while minimizing daytime traffic disruptions on the 81-kilometre artery.
Technical Assessment and Scope of Intervention
Minister Umahi confirmed that following a detailed assessment of a 22-kilometre stretch, the Ministry has prioritized approximately 18 kilometres of the most severely distressed sections for active intervention. Although the Federal Government is already managing about 60 kilometres of works along the entire corridor, these specific repairs are being accelerated due to their critical status.
The Minister attributed the persistent deterioration of the road to a combination of unresolved concession challenges and engineering design errors from previous construction eras. To mitigate these issues, the current intervention will employ reinforced concrete technology on low-lying and failed sections to ensure long-term durability against heavy traffic pressure.
Implementation Strategy and Traffic Management
To avoid further congesting an already busy route, the Ministry has mandated that repairs take place primarily at night. This strategic timing is designed to target "preventative" sections and areas where structural failure currently prevents the free movement of vehicles without paralysing daytime commerce.
Key features of the repair strategy include:
Immediate Palliative Works: Targeting the most damaged 18km sections.
Concrete Reconstruction: Specialised application in low-lying areas prone to failure.
Lane Prioritisation: Addressing the Ota-bound carriageway, which has sustained more extensive damage than the Lagos-bound side.
Future Project Phases and Concession Agreements
The current palliative work represents the first phase of a broader rehabilitation plan. Minister Umahi disclosed that a second phase will involve comprehensive resurfacing of the entire corridor, the replacement of worn bridge expansion joints, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights to improve visibility and security.
Once these rehabilitations are completed, the road is expected to be handed over to a concessionaire under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI). This framework allows for private sector or state government management, ensuring the road is operated and maintained through a structured cost-recovery model, such as tolling. The Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway is one of Nigeria's most vital transport links, connecting the commercial hub of Ikeja with the Ogun State capital. With daily traffic volume estimated at over 250,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs), the corridor serves as a backbone for regional trade and daily commuting between the South-West and the rest of the country.
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s shift to night-time repairs and the use of rigid pavement technology highlights a more targeted approach to infrastructure maintenance under the current administration. By addressing the most distressed 18 kilometres immediately, the Ministry of Works expects a significant reduction in travel time and a restoration of commercial activity along the Lagos-Ota axis.
