The Federal Government has suspended construction on the 12-kilometre Sagamu-Iperu Road near the Sagamu Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, citing serious structural defects and substandard work.
During an inspection tour on Thursday, the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, ordered an immediate halt to the project, expressing deep concern over the quality and pace of work. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Umahi identified critical flaws in the road’s stone base and alarming signs of deterioration in the supporting bridges.
He specifically noted rusted reinforcement rods in the bridge piers, warning that a potential collapse could lead to disastrous consequences and cost the government billions to rectify. “This is very urgent,” Umahi said. “If any of them collapse, it will take multi-billion Naira to get them reconstructed, but now it will take less to get them amended.”
Umahi gave the contractor seven days to submit a redesigned and properly costed structural plan, stating that a design head from the Ministry would remain on-site to support the redesign process through the weekend. The revised design is expected to be submitted promptly to enable an appeal to President Bola Tinubu for immediate intervention.
The Minister further directed that the existing stone base be removed and replaced with the correct material using proper milling equipment. He emphasized that while speed is important, the quality and safety of the project must not be compromised.
Although some progress has been made, including ramps and retaining walls, Umahi warned that the rusting structural reinforcements, if left unresolved, pose a major long-term risk to public safety.
The Sagamu-Iperu Road is a vital link between Ogun State communities and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, making it a key driver of regional connectivity and economic activity. The suspension reflects the government’s stance on enforcing stricter standards and ensuring public infrastructure is built to last.