By Ajibola Olaide, JKNMedia Reporter
BUREAUCRATIC DELAYS have been blamed for stalling the reconstruction of the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said as he also gave assurances that the Agbara-Lusada-Atan road would be completed by September.
The governor inspected the 20-kilometer Agbara-Lusada-Atan road in the Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area on Wednesday where he stressed the economic importance of these roads to Ogun State and Nigeria.
He recounted efforts by Ogun and Lagos state governments to take over the Lagos-Sango Abeokuta Expressway reconstruction.
Abiodun said delays from the Federal Government began during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now in power, the federal government approved the transfer of the road to the state.
However, the state still faces opposition from some federal officials which forced the state government to award the contract in May without the necessary transfer papers.
“The Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Road is a federal government road in poor condition. Our people suffer on this road. We wrote a letter to the Federal Executive Council for its transfer to us for reconstruction.
“After a month with no reply, we sent a reminder. The road was not handed over until the current federal government took over. The contract has been awarded since May,” he said.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the poor condition of the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road.
Before assuming office, he said he met with industrialists in the area and promised to fix the road, adding that the road was in such a bad state that trailers and articulated vehicles often toppled.
He added that his administration then decided to begin reconstruction without waiting for the federal government.
The road, 10 meters wide, is being built to high standards. Once completed, it will boost businesses and socio-economic development in the area.
The governor, Wednesday, visited the road to assess the work and ensure it meets deadlines.
He assured that the road would be dualized from the Lagos-Badagry Road end to the Agbara Estate gate.
A single lane will be constructed to Atan to improve movement.
“I came to see the contractor’s progress. I set timelines and want to ensure they are met. The dual carriageway from Lagos-Badagry end to the industrial estate entrance must be completed.
“This will help trucks and trailers from the port move easily, boosting productivity. We will focus on one lane beyond the OPIC entrance to Atan first. Completing this road is crucial as it has already cost us a lot,” he stated.
The governor also addressed recent social media attacks.
He described them as propaganda aimed at distracting him from serving the people.
He emphasized his commitment to Ogun State and threatened legal action against those misrepresenting his administration.
“I have seen various sponsored media attacks on me and my administration. These attacks accuse me of neglect and being uncaring. My first reaction is often to ignore them. I know why I am here and what it took to get here. I am committed to serving Ogun State.
“These attacks are unwarranted and sponsored. I ask, where were these people before I became governor? Many roads were in disrepair, including federal roads. Despite the hardships, no one attacked those responsible,” he remarked.
He then sought residents’ cooperation and understanding while vowing not to be swayed by detractors’ antics.
