Jonathan declares open reconstruction of N167bn Lagos-Ibadan road

President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday in Shagamu, Ogun State,
that federal, states and local governments must collaborate to deliver
dividends of democracy to the people, irrespective of party
affiliations.
Shagamu (Ogun) - President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday in
Shagamu, Ogun State, that federal, states and local governments must
collaborate to deliver dividends of democracy to the people,
irrespectiveof party affiliations.
Jonathan made the remarks when he declared open the reconstruction
andexpansion works on the 127.6 km Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way
sections I and II.
The N167 billion project, to be completed in 48 months, is being
handled by Messrs Julius Berger Plc and Reynolds Construction Company
(RCC) Ltd.
Jonathan said basic infrastructure, particularly roads, whether, they
belonged to the federal, states or local governments by
classification, is meant for the use and benefit of the generality of
all Nigerians.
"All of us belong to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are free
toreside in any part of the country.
"My belief is that, whether a project isdelivered by the Federal
Government or the state government or local government, what Nigerians
need is basic infrastructure.
"Therefore, good partnering by all thetiers of government, federal,
states and local governments and good spirited individuals will make
us deliver the dividends of democracy toour people.
"And I assure you that we will continue to work together," he said.
The president said that the Lagos-Ibadan dual carriage way, was one of
the busiest and most important roads in the country.
Specifically, he said that with over 250,000 vehicles plying the road
daily,"it stands out as the busiest road in Africa''.
"The road is an important economic artery that connects the nation's
economic nerve centres.
"More than 50 per cent of the economic activities of this country
revolve around Lagos and Ogun states, which jointly with Oyo State,
host the infrastructure.
"The infrastructure is of great socio-economic importance, not only to
Nigeria but also to the people of Africa," he said.
Jonathan said that following the state of disrepair of the road, the
recurrent fatal accident, unprecedented traffic jams and security
breaches, government acted in good faith, by entering into partnership
with a private investor to deliver the road.
He said that after four years of evidentnon-performance by the private
investor, Bi-Courtney Highway Services Limited, government, acting in
the public interest, terminated the agreement.
"Today I am happy to inform you that we are ready to bequeath to
Nigerians, a better and more durable road after 35 years when the
first construction was made and commissioned in 1978.
"We are sure this will alleviate the hardship on millions of road users.
"This event reflects government's commitment to practically and
relentlessly meet the yearnings of people and improve the national
transport infrastructure.''
The president charged the contractors to ensure timely completion of
the project and appealed to road users to bear with the inconveniences
the construction might cause.
He also said that government had made adequate funding arrangementto
see the project through to completion.
Minister of Works Mike Onolememen in a welcome address, said that the
Lagos-Ibadan expressway constructedbetween 1974 and 1978 was among the
first dual carriageways in the country.
He said the road is a major highway inthe South-West geopolitical
zone, which connects, Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states to other parts of the
country.
"The road is a major artery that connects, Lagos, the economic nerve
centre of the nation and most Nigerian sea ports, to other states of
the federation.
"At the regional level, it is a section ofthe Trans-sahara Highway
that links Lagos on the Atlantic Ocean to Algiers on the Mediterranean
Sea.
"The road is, therefore, of great economic importance not only to
Nigeria but the sub-region at large," Onolememen said
Present at the event were Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun; his
predecessor, Gbenga Daniel; the deputy governors of Lagos, Oyo, Osun
and Ondo states, ministers, and traditional rulers
NAN recalls that the Federal Government in November 2012 revoked the
failed Lagos-Ibadan expressway concession contract awarded to
Bi-Courtney in 2009.
Onolememen, who announced the revocation, had explained that
Bi-Courtney violated the contract terms, particularly, its failure to
secure needed funds for the job.
He had also announced that the road would be constructed by two
construction firms, Julius Berger and RCC.
Prior to Onolememen's revocation announcement, Jonathan had during a
Presidential media chat, last year, said that government was about to
take a "definite" position on the failed road contract.
"The immediate construction of the highway is now underway and will
bepartly handled by Julius Berger and RCC."Due to the senseless
carnage on this important expressway which is part ofArterial Route
A1, the Federal Government has also decided to embark on the emergency
reconstruction of the expressway.
"While Julius Berger would handle section 1: from Lagos to Shagamu
interchange, RCC Nigeria Limited will be responsible for section II:
from Shagamu to Ibadan," Onolememen had said then.
NAN also recalls that the concession agreement with Bi-Courtney was
for it to Build, Operate and Transfer the road.
After completion, the company was tooperate the expressway and its
facilities for 25 years.
Specifically, the agreement entitled the company to revenue recoup
rights, stretching from charging food vendors to vehicular tolling and
on parking lots. (NAN)