By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Egba Economic Summit Group has appealed to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi to urgently intervene and ensure the speedy completion of the Idi-Aba–OGTV–Obafemi–Ajebo road, describing the delay as a threat to economic development, security and ease of movement in Egbaland and Ogun State.

The group, in a letter dated January 16, 2026 and signed by its President, Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, expressed deep concern over the slow pace of work on the road project, which is expected to serve as a major link to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

A copy of the letter, made available to newsmen in Abeokuta, noted that while the Summit commended the Federal Government on ongoing infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Badagry–Sokoto road and night repairs on the Sango–Abeokuta road, it was compelled to draw the federal government’s attention to projects of strategic economic importance that have suffered neglect and delays.

According to the group, the Idi-Aba–Abeokuta–Ajebo road was awarded during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, but has dragged on for years, with sections of the road becoming almost impassable, despite the relatively good work done within Abeokuta city.

The Summit warned that the abandoned or slow-paced construction now poses serious challenges to motorists and residents, especially following extensive excavations that have worsened driving conditions on what used to be a smooth and popular shortcut to Ibadan.

Dr. Adeoye further highlighted the strategic importance of the road to key institutions and communities, noting that the newly established Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), has its 170-hectare permanent site along the Ajebo axis of the road.

“The university cannot relocate from its temporary site to the permanent location if the road construction remains abandoned, stagnant or slow,” the letter stated.

The group also pointed out that the road serves as an alternative route to the old Abeokuta–Ibadan road via Apata, Bakatari, Ilugun and Odeda, while also passing through critical infrastructure such as the Ogun State Television (OGTV) station.

It emphasized that the road has the potential to transform the economic landscape of the Obafemi–Ajebo corridor, adding that a proposed diversion at Owojo through Oyebola to Alapako-Oni could create an industrial hub around Ajebo and neighbouring villages including Erunwon, Abiona Mosafejo and Olosun.

It further noted that completion of the road would help decongest traffic at the Ogere axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as motorists travelling between Ibadan and Abeokuta would no longer need to pass through the Abeokuta–Sagamu interchange.

In its appeal, the Summit urged the Minister of Works to ensure that construction standards are not compromised after the road leaves Abeokuta city, warning that contractors often reduce quality in rural sections, thereby affecting durability.

“In view of the above, we plead that urgent action be taken to ensure speedy completion of the road, as it will have a direct and positive impact on the economy of Egbaland, Ogun State and Nigeria,” the letter read.