Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Six-Week Partial Closure for Bridge Repairs
The Federal Government has announced a partial closure of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway for a duration of six weeks to facilitate urgent structural repairs on key bridge components. Starting in February 2026, the construction focus will center on the long-term integrity of the infrastructure, specifically targeting expansion joints and deck reinforcements that have shown signs of advanced wear due to high-volume heavy-duty traffic. This maintenance phase is part of the broader National Infrastructure Rehabilitation Program aimed at extending the lifespan of Nigeria’s busiest economic artery and ensuring the “security of transit” for millions of commuters and goods.
The logistics of the closure involve a strategic diversion of traffic between specific sections of the expressway, particularly around the Berger and Long Bridge axis. Federal Ministry of Works officials have coordinated with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to deploy personnel for 24-hour traffic management. To minimize the economic impact of the “logistics bottleneck,” the government has mandated that construction work proceed in shifts, allowing for the partial reopening of lanes during peak morning and evening hours where possible.
From a macroeconomic perspective, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is the backbone of Nigeria’s distribution network, facilitating the movement of over 70 percent of the goods arriving at the Lagos ports to the rest of the country. Any disruption to this corridor has an immediate effect on the “cost of doing business,” as transport firms often hike freight charges to compensate for longer transit times and fuel consumption in gridlock. For an economy targeting a $1 trillion GDP, maintaining the efficiency of this trade route is essential to preventing inflationary spikes in food and industrial raw materials.
Historically, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has been a focal point of infrastructure debate in Nigeria, with various administrations striving to complete its total reconstruction. The current intervention highlights the transition toward a “preventative maintenance” culture, moving away from reactive repairs that often lead to more costly and prolonged closures. By addressing the bridge defects now, the government aims to prevent a total structural failure that would necessitate a complete shutdown of the corridor, which would have catastrophic consequences for the national supply chain.
The fiscal health of the construction sector and the performance of the 2026 capital budget are intrinsically linked to the timely completion of such projects. The Ministry of Works has assured the public that funding for this six-week window has been fully mobilized to prevent the “contractor abandonment” that has plagued previous road projects. This transparency is intended to build public trust and ensure that the economic “pain” of the traffic diversion results in a “gain” of smoother, safer, and more durable road infrastructure.
As the repair window progresses, the focus remains on the “logistics of detours” and the resilience of alternative routes, such as the Ikorodu-Sagamu road. Transport analysts suggest that this period should serve as a catalyst for the further development of the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor as a viable alternative for heavy freight, which would significantly reduce the “axle-load” pressure on the expressway. Ultimately, the successful completion of these bridge repairs will be a vital indicator of the government’s ability to manage critical infrastructure while sustaining the momentum of the national economy.
