Oyo state approves ₦114 billion infrastructure, sports projects

The government of Oyo State in southwest Nigeria has approved infrastructure, sports, and environmental projects worth more than ₦114 billion ($86 million) in a move officials say will modernise the state and stimulate economic growth.

The decisions were reached at the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Acting Governor Abdulraheem Adebayo Lawal. He said the new investments reflected the government’s priority of improving transportation, empowering youth, and promoting environmental sustainability across the state.

Among the headline projects is the reconstruction of the 13.6 kilometre Ojoo Interchange–IITA–Moniya Junction–Akinyele Interchange Road in Ibadan, which will be expanded into a six-lane dual carriageway at a cost of more than ₦63 billion.

Another 30 kilometre road linking Okaka Junction, Otu, Igbojaiye and the KAP Film Village will also be rehabilitated, with new bridges planned across the Otu and Ofiki Rivers.

The council further approved the dualisation of the Ajia Junction–Nigeria Air Force Base Road along the Ibadan–Ife Interchange, while township roads in Eruwa and ongoing works on the Apete–Awotan–Akufo corridor will also be completed or expanded. In addition, selected roads in Ibadan metropolis will undergo patching, thermoplastic marking, and kerb painting.

Beyond road infrastructure, the government approved ₦110 million to host Nigeria’s under-20 women’s national football team in Ibadan as they prepare for their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda. Officials said the decision underscored the state’s commitment to youth development and sporting excellence.

The Executive Council also allocated more than ₦108 million for the planting of economic trees along a 32 kilometre stretch of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road in Ibadan, a project aimed at strengthening environmental sustainability and creating new avenues for agro-based revenue.

“These investments will ease mobility, open markets for agriculture, empower youth through sports, and promote sustainable development,” Acting Governor Lawal told reporters after the meeting.

The projects are expected to be delivered within 12 to 18 months. Analysts note that the scale of spending highlights the growing push by Nigerian states to address long-standing infrastructure deficits, even as the country grapples with high inflation, a weakening naira, and sluggish growth.

With Ibadan positioned as West Africa’s largest city by landmass and one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing urban centres, the upgrades are expected to have a ripple effect on commerce, education, and regional connectivity.