…promises standard carriage, Return of tolling system
The Federal Government have finally approved the request by Ogun State government its readiness to take over the construction of the LagosOta-Abeokuta road .
The approval was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Villa, Abuja on Monday.
The road which runs through Lagos and Ogun states, has been in a deplorable condition for years, resulting in untold hardship for motorists and citizens of Ogun State.
Infolitenews have reported earlier all efforts by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in conjunction with his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to take over the construction of the road but were rebuffed by the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, the approval came on Monday when the federal government announced that the Ogun State Government can embark on the reconstruction of the dilapidated road and toll it.
The minister said,” On permission to build federal roads, when such requests are made, we give approval within 24 hours but then there are conditions to be met – they must have to use the Federal Ministry of Works standard designs,”
Appreciating the federal government while commending Governor Abiodun for his resilience in pursuit of the approval, Ogun State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, declared that the state is ready to take on the project and end the many years of suffering of her people.
Engr. Akinsanya, who recalled that the struggle to get the approval from the federal government started immediately Governor Abiodun was sworn in in 2019, said the decision to allow Ogun take over the project is the best thing that can happen to the people of the state and other users of the road.
He said, “Severally, Governor Abiodun and Governor Jide Sanwoolu of Lagos State wrote the presidency and the federal works ministry seeking the handover of among other roads, the Lagos-Sango Ota-Abeokuta road, Ikorodu-Ogijo-Sagamu road and Sagamu-Ijebu Ode-Benin road.
“But the response then was that all the roads were under contracts at the time, so nothing happened. But our governor, determined to see and end to the hardship being experienced by our people, did not give up until he was able to seal the deal on Sunday.”
The Commissioner explained that the length of the road is roughly 70km with Ogun having about 61km and Lagos State, 9km, Akinsanya said even while waiting for the approval, the state administration kept doing all it can to make the road manageable for motorists.
Engr. Akinsanya added that the state is going to work with the federal ministry of works to meet the criteria of the federal government.
“We are working on how to fund the project. Aside from the road, we will have trailer parks and other infrastructure in place. It will be in partnership with some other stakeholders. It’s a PPP project and work will start as soon as possible
“The governor has done very well in securing this approval despite the delay. We will still work with Lagos State on a lot of modalities. This is why we are the Gateway.
“The work will be accelerated so that delivery will be swift. We will give the best standard in the shortest time possible. We appreciate the minister for supporting our quest all along. Governor Abiodun is still working hard for more of this,” he added.