The Nigerian Government is in discussions with the World Bank for N30bn ($187m) to fund the modernisation of the Mile 12-Ikorodu road in Lagos.

The road is a primary route for commuters who avoid the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The government will award the contract after concluding the financing arrangements for the six-lane road with one lane for the bus rapid transit (BRT) system.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola said: "The design of the road is ready and we are working with the federal government and the World Bank to conclude financing on the project. We are mindful of the present discomfort that commuters in that area face, but we assure Lagosians that relief will come soon."

Rebuilding the Ikorodu Road will reduce several hours of commuting time down to 20 minutes. In addition, the state government has planned to upgrade and rebuild 152 inner roads around Lagos during this year.

Work had already started on inner roads in Ogudu, Ajegunle, Ifako, Alimosho and Ikorodu among others, with the aim to finish 217 highways by the end of the year.

"I have been advised by the Ministry of Works, that in addition to those 152 roads, there are 62 roads upon which work commenced in the last 12 to 18 months, bringing the total roads that we hope to deliver at the end of the budget cycle to 217," Fashola added.

Fashola also noted that the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) has resurfaced 230 roads across all its local government areas, according to allafrica.com.

Last year, Lagos completed the rehabilitation of Iju Road; it also opened the link road in Amuwo Odofin, between Apapa Oshodi Expressway and Festac Link Bridge, to traffic.

Works on the design of several roads across Lagos from Agege to Ifako Ijaiye and Somolu, including Igi Olugbin and Pedro Road, is underway, while contracts were awarded for the construction of the Abiola-Onijemo Road and bridge in Ifako Ijaiye.