Umahi: JRB Construction Capable of Delivering Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Dualisation
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has described JRB Construction Limited as one of Nigeria’s best indigenous contractors, expressing confidence in the company’s capacity to deliver the 56.5-kilometre Ibadan–Ijebu Ode dualisation project.
Umahi spoke on Monday, August 24, 2026, during the formal flag-off of the project at the Open Field of Legacy Estate, Ibadan, Oyo State, where he drew attention to the scale of work already being undertaken by the contractor along the corridor.
“I can tell you that JRB contractors are the best indigenous contractors. Go and see the work they are already doing. They are filling up to 40 feet along this road,” the minister said.
The Federal Government had awarded the 56.5km dualisation project to JRB Construction Limited following its approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Umahi said the commencement of the project marked the end of temporary interventions on the strategic corridor, stressing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was committed to delivering durable infrastructure capable of serving future generations.
“Today marks the end of an era of temporary fixes on this vital corridor. Under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are building roads that will outlive generations,” he said.
The minister described the project as an economic intervention rather than merely a road construction initiative, noting that the upgraded corridor would strengthen economic activities and connectivity across the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis.
“This 56.5km dualisation is not just about laying asphalt or concrete; it is a deliberate economic intervention,” Umahi said.
According to him, the project would facilitate the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time, unlock agricultural and commercial opportunities and address security vulnerabilities associated with the deteriorated sections of the road.
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“By expanding this corridor, we are unlocking the massive agricultural and commercial potential of the Lagos-Ogun-Oyo axis, reducing travel times drastically, and eliminating security vulnerabilities like kidnapping that thrived on dilapidated sections,” he said.
Representing President Tinubu at the ceremony, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the project as an important economic link between Oyo and Ogun states, stressing its significance to the economies of the two neighbouring states.
“Today demonstrates the flag-off of the 56.5km Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode road. It is more than just a flag-off; it is a vital connection between two sister states economically,” Abiodun said.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, also welcomed the project, recalling the difficulties faced by farmers and traders who depend on the route.
The monarch thanked President Tinubu for recognising the strategic importance of the road and commended Umahi for his role in advancing the administration’s infrastructure programme.
“Senator Umahi has proven himself to be an indefatigable champion of infrastructure, and he has the full backing of our traditional institution,” Ladoja said.
Meanwhile, Umahi disclosed that the Federal Government was taking steps to address other critical road challenges across the country.
He announced that he would proceed to the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road to engage the relevant stakeholders over the difficulties confronting motorists and other road users.
According to him, the problems on the road arose from issues surrounding the concession arrangement, alleging that the concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt before abandoning the project.
“We are going to be talking to the independent engineer and our lawyer, and of course, the concessionaire. So there’s going to be a robust engagement even with the governor of Edo State,” he said.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, he added, would also visit the Ifaki–Kabba Road linking Ekiti and Kogi states to assess its condition and report back to the Federal Government.
Umahi said the road had been redesigned after President Tinubu drew attention to its deplorable condition in 2024.
He further commended President Tinubu for approving what he described as critical road projects across the country, saying the administration had made significant investments in road infrastructure.
“I want Nigerians to appreciate what the president is doing. Every state is a construction site. There is no region that we say, ‘Oh, we are shortchanged.’ There is nothing like that,” he said.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, culminated in the official ground-breaking of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode dualisation project, performed by Governor Abiodun on behalf of President Tinubu.