Approval of Ogolonto Flyover & Other Mega Projects Are Reshaping Ikorodu
How FEC’s Approval of Ogolonto Flyover & Other Mega Projects Are Reshaping Ikorodu
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| President Tinubu |
By Adeboye Prince Adetu
For decades, the Ogolonto junction in Ikorodu stood as a grim symbol of urban planning failure—a chaotic gridlock that stole hours from commuters and choked the economic lifeblood of the division. That narrative is finally changing. Following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval secured on March 13, 2024, and the subsequent ground-breaking ceremony by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in June 2024, the construction of a state-of-the-art flyover at Ogolonto is now a tangible reality.
However, the Ogolonto flyover is just the tip of the iceberg. A deeper dive into federal and state records reveals a cascade of multi-billion-naira interventions targeting Ikorodu, signaling an unprecedented era of growth for the ancient town and its environs.
1. The Flagship Project: Ogolonto Flyover & Ikorodu–Ogijo Road
The FEC-approved project is a complete reconstruction of the Ikorodu–Ogijo/Sagamu Road (Old Lagos-Ibadan Road), awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at a total cost of N80.6 billion.
What the project entails:
· The Flyover: A dedicated overpass at the Ogolonto roundabout to eliminate the perennial bottleneck that grinds traffic to a halt daily.
· Dual Carriageway: Expansion of the existing single-lane road into a reinforced, dual-carriageway standard from Ikorodu town through to the Ogun State boundary.
· Timeline: With a completion target set for late 2026, the project aims to seamlessly connect Lagos to Ogun, facilitating smoother inter-state commerce.
For residents of Igbe, Owutu, and Agric, this project will drastically reduce travel time to Lagos Island and the Mainland upon completion.
2. Lagos State Government’s Aggressive Push
While the FEC handles the federal highways, the Lagos State Government is not resting on its oars. Several intra-city roads and economic hubs are currently under construction or recently completed to support the population boom in Ikorodu Division:
· Imota Rice Mill (Commissioned): Located in the Imota area, this is the largest rice mill in Sub-Saharan Africa (producing 2.5 million bags annually). This agribusiness hub is creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Ikorodu youths, reducing reliance on imported rice.
· Ibeshe–Igbe–Agbowa Road: This ongoing state project is opening up the riverine areas, providing a much-needed alternative route for residents of Igbe and Ibeshe, and decongesting the main Ikorodu–Epe expressway.
· Agric–Ishawo Road: The state government has invested heavily in the rehabilitation and drainage construction along this axis to combat perennial flooding and improve access to the Ikorodu–Sagamu corridor.
· Oke-Ota / Itamaga Link Roads: These inner roads are being upgraded to improve connectivity to the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge landing point, which is expected to pass through Ikorodu—a massive future project awaiting final financial close.
3. What This Means for Ikorodu Residents
For the average Igbenews reader, these projects translate to three major outcomes:
1. Increased Property Value: Land and housing prices in Igbe, Imota, and Ogolonto are already experiencing a bullish run due to improved accessibility.
For decades, the Ogolonto junction in Ikorodu stood as a grim symbol of urban planning failure—a chaotic gridlock that stole hours from commuters and choked the economic lifeblood of the division. That narrative is finally changing. Following the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval secured on March 13, 2024, and the subsequent ground-breaking ceremony by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in June 2024, the construction of a state-of-the-art flyover at Ogolonto is now a tangible reality.
However, the Ogolonto flyover is just the tip of the iceberg. A deeper dive into federal and state records reveals a cascade of multi-billion-naira interventions targeting Ikorodu, signaling an unprecedented era of growth for the ancient town and its environs.
1. The Flagship Project: Ogolonto Flyover & Ikorodu–Ogijo Road
The FEC-approved project is a complete reconstruction of the Ikorodu–Ogijo/Sagamu Road (Old Lagos-Ibadan Road), awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) at a total cost of N80.6 billion.
What the project entails:
· The Flyover: A dedicated overpass at the Ogolonto roundabout to eliminate the perennial bottleneck that grinds traffic to a halt daily.
· Dual Carriageway: Expansion of the existing single-lane road into a reinforced, dual-carriageway standard from Ikorodu town through to the Ogun State boundary.
· Timeline: With a completion target set for late 2026, the project aims to seamlessly connect Lagos to Ogun, facilitating smoother inter-state commerce.
For residents of Igbe, Owutu, and Agric, this project will drastically reduce travel time to Lagos Island and the Mainland upon completion.
2. Lagos State Government’s Aggressive Push
While the FEC handles the federal highways, the Lagos State Government is not resting on its oars. Several intra-city roads and economic hubs are currently under construction or recently completed to support the population boom in Ikorodu Division:
· Imota Rice Mill (Commissioned): Located in the Imota area, this is the largest rice mill in Sub-Saharan Africa (producing 2.5 million bags annually). This agribusiness hub is creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Ikorodu youths, reducing reliance on imported rice.
· Ibeshe–Igbe–Agbowa Road: This ongoing state project is opening up the riverine areas, providing a much-needed alternative route for residents of Igbe and Ibeshe, and decongesting the main Ikorodu–Epe expressway.
· Agric–Ishawo Road: The state government has invested heavily in the rehabilitation and drainage construction along this axis to combat perennial flooding and improve access to the Ikorodu–Sagamu corridor.
· Oke-Ota / Itamaga Link Roads: These inner roads are being upgraded to improve connectivity to the proposed Fourth Mainland Bridge landing point, which is expected to pass through Ikorodu—a massive future project awaiting final financial close.
3. What This Means for Ikorodu Residents
For the average Igbenews reader, these projects translate to three major outcomes:
1. Increased Property Value: Land and housing prices in Igbe, Imota, and Ogolonto are already experiencing a bullish run due to improved accessibility.
2. Economic Boom: Ease of doing business, particularly for traders moving goods between Lagos and Ogun states, will skyrocket.
3. Decongestion: The Ogolonto flyover, specifically, is designed to separate through-traffic from local traffic, bringing an end to the infamous "go-slow" that has defined the Ikorodu axis for over two decades.
Conclusion
While the Ogolonto flyover is the crown jewel of the current administration's promise to Ikorodu, it sits within a broader tapestry of federal and state investment. From the roads to the rice mill, and from the highways to the inner roads, Ikorodu is finally getting its due.
However, residents and community leaders, including the traditional rulers in Igbe and Ikorodu, are calling for strict monitoring of contractors to ensure timely delivery and quality work. With proper oversight, these infrastructural strides will not only fix the gridlock but will secure the future of the division for generations to come.
Stay tuned to IgbeNews for exclusive site inspections and updates on these projects as construction progresses.
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