By Chimdiogo Amuh 

The Federal Government has directed the immediate commencement of palliative repair works on the Lagos–Ota–Abeokuta Road to fix critical failed sections and ease traffic congestion.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection of the federal highway that links Lagos and Ogun states.

Umahi said that while about 22 kilometres of the road were inspected, repair efforts would concentrate on roughly 18 kilometres identified as the most severely distressed sections.

He explained that the Federal Government is already responsible for about 60 kilometres of the corridor, with construction being carried out in phases based on the urgency of each section.

According to the minister, the deterioration of the road resulted from unresolved concession issues and the use of inappropriate engineering parameters during previous construction works.

He disclosed that repairs would begin immediately, largely at night, to minimise disruption to traffic, and would focus on areas that currently impede smooth vehicular movement.

Umahi added that low-lying failed portions of the road would be reconstructed with concrete to enhance durability, noting that the Ota-bound carriageway has suffered more damage than the Lagos-bound side.

He further revealed that a second phase of the project would include full resurfacing, replacement of bridge expansion joints, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights.

The minister assured that upon completion of the ongoing works, the concessionaire would take responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the road.