The Federal Ministry of Works, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Edo State Government and other stakeholders have launched an urgent assessment of deteriorating highways linking Edo and Delta states.
The intervention followed growing concerns over the worsening condition of the Benin-Sapele-Warri and Benin-Agbor roads, which have caused difficulties for motorists, commuters, residents and businesses operating along the corridors.
The joint inspection was carried out by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Works David Umahi, members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, and NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku.
According to the NDDC, the inspection was conducted following a directive from President Bola Tinubu for immediate action on the affected roads.
Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to finding both immediate and sustainable solutions to the deterioration of the highways.
He said the intervention was necessary because of the strategic importance of the roads and the hardship their current condition had imposed on road users.
The NDDC said it had received several complaints from motorists and residents over the condition of the Benin-Sapele corridor.
Ogbuku disclosed that the commission had scoped a 15.4-kilometre stretch between Benin, Ologbo Junction and Sapele for intervention.
He described the section as strategically important to the region, noting that its deteriorated condition had made parts of the road difficult to use, resulting in traffic congestion, hardship and negative effects on economic activities.
The NDDC Managing Director said the commission and the Ministry of Works had agreed to collaborate on the remedial work.
He stressed that the intervention would be carried out in line with the original design of the road to ensure that the repairs were durable.
The inspection also involved major construction companies operating along the Benin-Asaba axis and other relevant stakeholders.
Governor Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for responding to the concerns over the roads, saying the intervention would help address the deteriorating sections of the critical highways.
The stakeholders are expected to continue consultations and assessments as efforts intensify to restore the affected road corridors.
