The Lagos State Government (LASG) has formally commenced rehabilitation works on the stretch of the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway between Admiralty Junction and Jubilee Bridge in the Ajah area of Eti-Osa Local Government.
This move is part of the state’s broader infrastructure drive, aimed at improving connectivity, easing traffic-gridlock, and enhancing road safety in the rapidly developing Lekki–Ajah corridor. The initiative reflects the Governor Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to delivering “durable road networks” for Lagosians.
Background & Rationale
The Lekki-Epe axis has been witnessing explosive growth in recent years — residential estates, commercial hubs, industrial parks and port infrastructure. With that comes growing pressure on road infrastructure and a rise in congestion and deterioration along key corridors. As noted by the government, the section from Admiralty Junction to Jubilee Bridge is among the busiest and most heavily traveled in the area.
Moreover, previous phases of rehabilitation along other sections of the Expressway have demonstrated the value of upgrading the infrastructure: in 2022, the first phase of the wider road rehabilitation (18.75 km) had already reached about 95% completion.
Thus, this new rehabilitation phase is timely and strategic. It seeks to:
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Reduce travel time and minimize the loss of man-hours due to traffic.
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Improve traffic flow and connectivity between residential and commercial hubs.
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Ensure road safety and durability, especially given the heavy vehicular load in the corridor.
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Prepare the corridor for future transport infrastructure, such as the proposed Green Rail Line.
What the Works Entail
While full technical details are yet to be exhaustively disclosed, the following points have emerged from the stakeholders’ meeting and official statements:
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The rehabilitation will focus on failed pavement sections where collapse has occurred; these sections will be rebuilt and asphalt layers will be replaced.
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Works will be carried out both daytime and nighttime to reduce the duration and impact of the works.
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Traffic management plans will be put in place to manage movement during construction — including 24-hour deployment of traffic officers according to Oluwaseun Osiyemi – the Commissioner for Transportation.
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The government emphasised that the rehabilitation is a medium-term solution aligned with longer-term infrastructure interventions (e.g., rail).
Stakeholder Engagement & Public Participation
The LASG has held a stakeholders’ meeting to brief residents, businesses, transport unions, traditional rulers, and community leaders about the project scope and likely disruptions.
During the meeting:
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The Permanent Secretary, Office of Infrastructure, stated that the Governor has approved the immediate commencement of the works.
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Residents were urged to cooperate, exercise patience, and observe traffic directives during the construction period.
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Concerns were raised by some residents and business owners about possible disruptions, traffic congestion, the choice of asphalt versus concrete given heavy traffic loads, and availability of alternative routes (e.g., the coastal road).
Anticipated Impacts
Positive:
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A smoother, more reliable road surface will improve travel comfort, reduce vehicle wear-and-tear, and save time for commuters and businesses.
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Improved connectivity may boost economic activities in the Lekki–Ajah corridor, facilitating the movement of goods, services and people more efficiently.
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Enhanced safety is likely from a properly rehabilitated roadway and better drainage/outfall (since some previous sections lacked proper drainage). Earlier interventions had shown that better drainage reduces flooding and extends road life.
Challenges & Risks:
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Construction will likely cause disruptions: lane closures, detours, longer travel times in the short term.
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The high volume of traffic, including industrial/commercial logistics traffic (e.g., from the port/free-trade zone), means that traffic management is critical. If poorly managed, gridlock could worsen.
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The surface and design choice (asphalt versus more heavy-duty concrete) may be questioned given the heavy loads; some stakeholders suggested stronger material may be required.
What Road Users Should Know & Do
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Expect some inconvenience while works are ongoing: slower movement, possible alternate routing.
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Be alert to traffic management signs, adhere to lane markings, drive with caution in the construction zones.
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Plan journeys for off-peak hours if possible; take alternative routes when indicated.
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Businesses along the corridor should engage with the project team and understand when works will affect their frontage/access.
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The government encourages cooperation, recognising the short-term pain for the long-term gain.
Looking Ahead
Once completed, this rehabilitation will close the remaining gap in the major corridor from Admiralty Junction through to Jubilee Bridge, complementing the earlier phases of the Lekki–Epe Expressway works and aligning with broader infrastructure plans including the Green Rail Line purchase.
In the medium-to-long term, the improved corridor will support Lagos State’s vision of a more efficient transport network, facilitating real estate, commerce, and regional connectivity in the fast-growing eastern flank of the city.
Conclusion
The commencement of the rehabilitation of the Eti-Osa/Lekki-Epe Expressway segment between Admiralty Junction and Jubilee Bridge is a positive development for Lagos State’s infrastructure agenda. While construction will bring temporary discomfort, the expected benefits — reduced travel time, better road conditions, improved connectivity — are significant.
Stakeholder cooperation and good traffic management will be key to ensuring the project’s success and minimizing disruptions.
