President Bola Tinubu has approved the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway with reinforced concrete pavement and extended the proposed Fourth Legacy Highway by an additional 400 kilometres, the Federal Government announced on Thursday.

Minister of Works David Umahi disclosed the approvals during a briefing in Abuja, saying the expansion increases the length of the Fourth Legacy Highway from about 700 kilometres to roughly 1,100 kilometres.

He said the extension will pass through Taraba State, strengthening road links between the North-Central and North-East.

“The greatest story is that yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the addition of 400 kilometres to our Fourth Legacy Road.

“That is unprecedented,” Umahi said.

The minister also announced presidential approval for the complete reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after sections of the highway deteriorated only a few years after rehabilitation.

“The President approved yesterday the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ibadan Road, and that is the justification for our fight for the use of reinforced concrete pavement,” Umahi said.

He added that repeated maintenance had failed to stop the deterioration of the asphalt surface, making concrete a more durable option for the busy highway.

According to Umahi, the ministry believes reinforced concrete roads can last for decades with minimal maintenance, reducing long-term repair costs and improving safety for motorists.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors, linking Lagos with the South-West and serving as a major route for passengers and freight.

The approvals form part of the Tinubu administration’s wider legacy road infrastructure programme aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic growth.