Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, emphasized that bureaucratic delays hindered the reconstruction of the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway.

Abiodun assured that the Agbara-Lusada-Atan road, currently under construction, would be completed in September.

In an interview after inspecting the 20-kilometer Agbara-Lusada-Atan road in the Ado Odo/Ota Local Government Area on Wednesday, Governor Abiodun highlighted the importance of these roads to the economic wellbeing of the state and the nation.

Recalling efforts by Ogun and Lagos state governments to take over and reconstruct the Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta Expressway, Abiodun noted that he and his Lagos State counterpart were frustrated by delays from the Federal Government, dating back to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu now in power, the federal government was approached again for the road transfer, a request that was eventually granted. However, opposition from some federal officials forced the state government to formally award the contract in May, even without the necessary transfer papers.

“The Lagos-Sango-Abeokuta road is a federal government road and has been in very bad shape for a long time. Because of the suffering our people endure, my Lagos counterpart and I jointly wrote a letter to the Federal Executive Council seeking the road’s transfer for us to reconstruct. After a month without a reply, we wrote a reminder. The road was not handed over to us until the current federal government took office. The contract has been awarded since May,” Abiodun stated.

On the Atan-Lusada-Agbara road, Abiodun disclosed that before assuming office, he met with local industrialists and promised to improve the road, which was in terrible condition. His administration decided not to wait for federal intervention before commencing reconstruction.

The road, with a width of 10 meters, is being built to standard. Upon completion, it is expected to revive businesses and boost the socio-economic development of the area.

“I am here to assess the contractor’s progress. I have given them certain timelines, and I want to ensure they meet those timelines. From the Lagos-Badagry end, the dual carriageway will be completed to the entrance of the industrial estate, so trucks and trailers can easily navigate, enhancing productivity,” he said.

On recent social media attacks against him, Abiodun stated that he would not be distracted by propaganda and would remain focused on serving the people who entrusted him with their mandate.

“My attention was drawn to various sponsored media attacks on my person and administration. These attacks attempt to disparage me and accuse me of neglect. I know who I am and why I am here—to serve the good people of Ogun State,” he noted.

Abiodun sought residents’ cooperation and understanding and threatened legal action against critics misrepresenting his administration.