Ibadan Circular Road Poised to Be Game-Changer for Oyo’s Economy, Says Commissioner

The ongoing Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project in Ibadan is set to become a monumental game-changer for Oyo State’s economy, according to Hon. Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbonjubola, the State Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport. The Commissioner, speaking on Friday, July 4, 2025, emphasized that the 110-kilometer ring road is a cornerstone of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s drive to transform Oyo into a leading economic hub in the South-West.

Mogbonjubola highlighted the strategic importance of the Circular Road, describing it as “one of the greatest road construction projects in the state at the moment.” He articulated how the project would serve as a “one-stop shop for economic development,” designed to significantly ease traffic congestion within the Ibadan metropolis, particularly around bustling economic centres like the Iwo Road Interchange.

“By the time we have the Circular Road in place, the traffic that normally builds up around the Iwo Road Interchange and some other economic hubs of the metropolis would have been eliminated,” Mogbonjubola stated. He explained that travelers passing through Ibadan who have no business within the city would no longer need to enter the crowded metropolis, thereby saving time and reducing logistical costs for businesses.

Beyond traffic alleviation, the Commissioner detailed the extensive economic opportunities the road is projected to unlock. It is poised to stimulate robust economic growth, opening up vast new corridors for both real estate development, including world-class residential and industrial estates, and a boost to hospitality businesses. Furthermore, the road will serve as a vital arterial link, enhancing connectivity between Oyo State and other states across the country.

Providing an update on the project’s progress, Mogbonjubola noted that the first 32-kilometer segment, spanning the South-East wing from Abiola Ajimobi Technical University to Badeku Village on the Ibadan-Ile Ife Expressway, is currently undergoing asphalt pavement and has reached approximately 70 percent completion. He expressed confidence that this initial segment would be commissioned by the end of 2025.

The Commissioner also shed light on the sustainability plan for the “world-class project,” revealing that the Ibadan Circular Road would be tolled at various entry and exit points, with its maintenance concessioned to ensure its longevity for at least 20 years without requiring major repairs. He acknowledged that the project’s cost had seen an upward review, primarily due to significant fluctuations in the exchange rate since the contract’s initial award.

With its strategic design and anticipated economic dividends, the Ibadan Circular Road is seen by the Oyo State government as a pivotal infrastructure that will reshape urban development, enhance ease of doing business, and ultimately accelerate the state’s economic expansion.