The Federal Ministry of Works has commenced a comprehensive assessment of flood-affected sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway following recent heavy rainfall that disrupted vehicular movement and affected communities along the corridor.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of affected locations around the Ore axis in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to the minister, three major flood-prone points have been identified along the Ondo section of the highway. They include Agofure at Km 100, Adolak Junction near the Ore Flyover Bridge at Km 107 and the Agric Section at Km 117.
Umahi, represented during the inspection by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Olajide Hussein, explained that the ministry was carrying out technical evaluations to determine the causes of the flooding and develop long-term engineering solutions.
He noted that recent episodes of intense rainfall across the country had led to flooding in several communities and road corridors, a development increasingly linked to the effects of climate change.
“The recent intense precipitation across the country has caused widespread flooding in various communities and along major road corridors,” he said.
The minister disclosed that engineers are currently conducting hydraulic assessments of existing culverts and drainage systems to determine whether they can adequately accommodate increased stormwater volumes.
According to him, the ministry is considering measures such as desilting blocked drainage channels and resizing cross-culverts where necessary to improve water flow and reduce future flooding risks.
Umahi assured motorists and residents that the government remained committed to ensuring the safety and stability of the strategic highway, which serves as a critical transportation link connecting the South-West to other parts of the country.
“In light of increasing climate change impacts, all necessary technical steps are being taken swiftly to enhance drainage capacity, mitigate the impact of unprecedented storm runoff and ensure safe, uninterrupted passage along this highway,” he stated.
The minister also sympathised with commuters and residents affected by the recent flooding, reiterating the ministry’s determination to implement sustainable solutions that will protect lives, property and critical road infrastructure.
The Benin-Sagamu Expressway remains one of Nigeria’s busiest highways, carrying thousands of passengers and commercial vehicles daily. Its strategic importance has made flood mitigation efforts along the route a key infrastructure priority.
