Lagos reborn: Abaranje, Dopemu roads transformed as Sanwo-Olu sets eyes on Ikotun

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has pledged to rehabilitate the Ikotun Roundabout and its surrounding roads as part of broader efforts to ease traffic congestion and upgrade transport infrastructure across the state.

Speaking on Wednesday during the commissioning of the rehabilitated Old Dopemu Road—now renamed Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road—and Abaranje Road, the governor described the Ikotun intersection as a “critical transport corridor” plagued by multiple challenges including traffic bottlenecks, market encroachment, and vehicular gridlock.

Sanwo-Olu, accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, assured residents and traditional leaders that the proposed Ikotun rehabilitation would not be superficial.

“It is not just to go and do it,” he said. “It’s for us to go there and be able to solve the problem.”

He added that the rehabilitation would be strategic and comprehensive, addressing the root causes of congestion to restore order and improve mobility in the area.

“The Ikotun Roundabout is a critical intersection. It’s a critical road, and I’ve committed and assured the Kabiyesi that we’re going to do it,” he said.

“There’s traffic, congestion, market activity, and vehicular issues. So, there are a lot of complex challenges. But we’re ready to tackle them all.”

Also speaking at the event, Special Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Olufemi Daramola, said the successful completion of Abaranje Road underscores the Sanwo-Olu administration’s resolve to close infrastructure gaps and improve Lagosians’ daily commuting experience.

“Abaranje Road was in a deplorable state. It was narrow, flood-prone, and riddled with failed sections that caused daily hardship for road users and residents,” Daramola noted.

He said the project was executed with strategic intent, integrating seamlessly into the ongoing Ijeododo–Oloja–Ajibola Hassan–Alhaji Mustapha–Olu Adeyanju and Bolade–Shasha–Oguntade road networks.

These linkages, he explained, form a vital alternative route connecting the Abaranje axis with the LASU corridor in eastern Lagos.

“This connection will boost intra-Alimosho movement, enhance accessibility for Okerube and neighbouring communities, and improve both local and state-level traffic operations,” he said.

Daramola emphasised that the project’s completion would deliver measurable benefits, including significant time savings, reduced travel stress, and a safer, more reliable commute for both residents and motorists.

The developments form part of the Lagos State Government’s long-term urban mobility strategy aimed at decongesting major traffic corridors and boosting socio-economic growth.