Repair begins on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after PUNCH report

The Federal Government has begun the repair of the damaged expansion joints on some bridges along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, PUNCH Metro findings have revealed.

This follows an earlier report by our correspondent in July 2025, detailing the concerns of motorists over the damaged expansion joints.

The report highlighted motorists’ fears that the damaged joints, if not repaired, could cause accidents.

Our correspondent, who had visited some sections of the expressway, observed that the rubber covers of the expansion joints had peeled off, while parts of the joints had begun showing signs of potholes.

The report also showed that several vehicles were seen avoiding the damaged sections at the Wawa end of the Long Bridge, while others, who seemed unaware, rammed into the bad portions.

Following the first report, the Federal Ministry of Works promised that plans were in top gear to ensure the expansion joints were repaired.

The then Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Olukorede Kesha, had given the assurance in a telephone conversation with our correspondent.

A follow-up check on the expressway on Thursday revealed that the expansion joints on both sides of the Magboro Bridge had been replaced.

Similarly, workers had moved to the PUNCH-Arepo Bridge area for the continuation of the repairs. At the time of the visit, the damaged expansion joints at the PUNCH-Arepo Bridge had been removed ahead of replacement.

Speaking with our correspondent, a worker who did not want his name mentioned due to a lack of authorisation to speak with the media, disclosed that the repair was being handled by the Federal Ministry of Works.

He noted that they had been instructed to carry out repairs on all damaged expansion joints along the expressway.

“It is the Federal Ministry of Works that is handling it. We have been instructed to replace and repair all the damaged expansion joints along the expressway. We will move to the next point after we are through with this place,” the worker said.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Works, Orji Uchenna, said the repairs were routine maintenance works that did not affect the integrity of the bridge.

“The expansion joints are on the bridges, and the repairs are routine maintenance. The expansion joints get worn out over time, and it is important to replace them.

“It does not affect the integrity of the bridge,” Uchenna said in a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Thursday.

Meanwhile, motorists plying the expressway have expressed relief over the repair.

The motorists, who spoke in separate interviews with our correspondent on Thursday, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for the intervention and thanked PUNCH Metro for reporting their concerns.

They also called for necessary measures to address the occasional gridlock at the repair points.

A motorist, Kunle Abiodun, said, “I want to thank the Federal Government for listening to our concerns and carrying out this repair. It will relieve us of the tension that our tyres may burst while driving through the damaged expansion joints. I also want to thank The PUNCH for raising awareness about the danger.

“My appeal is that they should hasten the repair and ensure that the gridlock that usually builds up at the repair points is properly managed.”

Another motorist, identified as Tajudeen, said, “I spoke with you when the expansion joints were bad, and I am grateful that the repair has begun. I want to thank PUNCH Newspapers and the FG for this repair.

“I am appealing that they help us manage the traffic situation because the road has been narrowed for the repair work. I know it is necessary, but they should manage the traffic properly.”