The House of Representatives has set aside N6 billion for the long-overdue reconstruction of the Gbaji-Apa-Owode road in the 2025 national budget, as stated by a lawmaker.

Rep. Sesi Whingan, who represents the Badagry Federal Constituency, shared this information in a statement from his media team in Lagos on Tuesday. Whingan highlighted that the 30.6 km federal road, which connects Gbaji to Owode and is a vital border crossing between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, has been in a state of severe neglect for over a decade.

“While reconstruction efforts had begun, progress was significantly hampered by inadequate budget allocations. “Previous reports indicated that the highest funding for the project was merely N200 million, which severely restricted the pace of work. “With the new allocation of N6 billion, we expect reconstruction to speed up, providing essential relief to residents, traders, and motorists who have endured the road’s poor condition for years.” Whingan recalled his remarks during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) in Badagry in September 2024, where he reassured constituents of his commitment to securing substantial budget support.

The lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), added: “Beyond securing funding, I have been focused on redesigning the road to ensure it adheres to modern construction standards and effectively meets the community’s needs. “This road is a vital economic artery, not only for Badagry but for Nigeria as a whole, given its significance in cross-border trade.” “Securing this N6 billion allocation is a major milestone toward ensuring that the reconstruction is expedited and completed to the highest quality standards. The announcement has been met with widespread optimism among constituents, who have long awaited government action.

The 2025 budget has now allocated significant financial resources, shifting focus to the execution of the project, which is anticipated to revolutionize transportation and economic activities in the area. Whingan reiterated his dedication to overseeing the reconstruction process to guarantee its complete implementation and assured constituents that they would be kept updated on any progress.