The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the long-awaited Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reconstruction project by November, bringing an end to years of anticipation for commuters on this crucial route.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, highlighted the issue of funding as a significant challenge hampering the project’s progress.
Umahi stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on Friday.
He expressed his assurance that his ministry would engage with President Bola Tinubu for possible intervention to overcome the funding hurdles.
In response to when the federal road project would be finalized, Umahi stated, “Let’s give it November.” He acknowledged the financial constraints, noting, “We may have a little bit of challenges on funding, but it is something that I intend to discuss with Mr. President.”
The funding for the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project is being sourced from the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund program.
He also explained that at present, there is an outstanding balance of N18 billion allocated to this axis of the project, which needs to be settled.
The strict stipulation is that funds designated for one project cannot be reallocated to another.
Umahi emphasized that the completion of the project largely depends on President Tinubu’s initiative.
