By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, the Federal Ministry of Works, the Edo State Government and other stakeholders have commenced an urgent intervention to address failed sections of major highways linking Edo and Delta states.
The intervention followed growing concerns over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele-Warri and Benin-Agbor roads, which have caused hardship for motorists, commuters, residents and businesses along the corridors.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Minister of Works, David Umahi; members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works; and NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, inspected failed portions of the highways.
Speaking during the inspection, Umahi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the deteriorating sections of the roads and finding immediate and sustainable solutions to the challenges along the critical corridors.
He said the intervention followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in response to concerns over the condition of the roads.
The minister said the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with the Edo State Government, invited the NDDC, major construction companies operating along the Benin-Asaba axis and other stakeholders to jointly inspect the affected portions and determine appropriate remedial measures.
Also speaking at the road site, Ogbuku said the NDDC had received complaints about the hardship motorists were experiencing along the Benin-Sapele corridor and had commenced steps to intervene.
He said the commission had scoped a 15.4-kilometre stretch between Benin, Ologbo Junction and Sapele, describing it as a strategic road section in the region.
According to him, the condition of the affected stretch had made parts of the road difficult to navigate, resulting in traffic congestion, hardship for road users and disruption to economic activities.
Ogbuku said the NDDC and the Ministry of Works had agreed to collaborate on the intervention to ensure that remedial works conformed to the original design of the road and provided a durable solution.
He said the collaboration reflected the commission’s commitment to complementing Federal Government efforts to restore critical infrastructure and ease the burden on communities and road users across the Niger Delta.
Ogbuku added that the NDDC remained committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda through strategic infrastructure interventions aimed at improving connectivity, stimulating economic activity and enhancing the quality of life of residents.
Okpebholo, who also spoke during the inspection, commended President Tinubu for responding swiftly to the road crisis.
The governor said the intervention would help arrest the deterioration of sections of the critical highway and ease the hardship being experienced by road users.
He noted that Edo State’s strategic location made the condition of its major highways a matter of national concern, describing the state as a gateway connecting the South-South, South-East, South-West and northern parts of the country.
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