The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to rehabilitate, upgrade, and dualize the ljebu-Ode-lbefun-Itokin-Agbowa-lkorodu Federal Road Ogun and Lagos states and include the financial cost of the project in the 2024 budget estimates.
The House also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately commence the rehabilitation pending the upgrading and dualization of the road.
It also mandated the Committees of Works, Appropriations and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to ensure compliance.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled, “Dualization of Ijebu–Ode – Ibuefun – Itokin –Agbowa – Ikorodu Federal Road” moved by Hon. Olufemi Adeleke Ogunbanwo.
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The House noted that the Ijebu-Ode-Ibefun-Itokin-Agbowa-Ikorodu Federal Road, connecting Ogun and Lagos states, serves various communities and cities namely ljede, Imota, Epe, Agbowa, Itokin, ldowa, Ibefun and is an alternative route for commuters from South East and South-South Geo-Political Zones, connected to the Sagamu – Ore – Benin Expressway.
The House also noted that major industries and tourist attractions like the Imota rice mill, Julius Berger’s burial site, and Ejinrin market are located along the road.
It observed that the strategic road offers a viable alternative to the Lekki-Eti-Osa-Epe Expressway, likely to increase vehicular movement due to industrial activities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Furthermore, it said, the proposed 4th Mainland Bridge in Lagos incorporates this road as a crucial feeder road, underscoring its significant role in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
The House was concerned that the road built in 1975 has deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance by the Federal government, causing inconvenience and safety hazards for commuters and businesses.
It worried that the deplorable conditions of the road have caused fatalities, property waste, and millions of Naira in damages, disrupting economic and social activities.
The House was disturbed that Ogun and Lagos State governments have appealed to the Federal Government for road ownership, upgrading, and expansion, but after assurances by the former Minister of Works on approval of funds by the Federal Executive Council for rehabilitation in April 2021, work is yet to commence.