By Olusegun Samuel Precious
The Federal Ministry of Works, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Edo State Government have flagged off a joint, emergency intervention to repair rapidly deteriorating sections of critical interstate highways linking Edo and Delta states.
The swift action follows mounting public outcry over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele-Warri and Benin-Agbor expressways, which have left commuters stranded, crippled regional commerce, and caused immense hardship for residents across the South-South corridor.
The collaborative exercise was cemented during a joint multi-agency inspection of the failed road portions led by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Works David Umahi, NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and members of the National Assembly Committees on Works.
Speaking at the inspection site, Minister of Works David Umahi revealed that the emergency response was directly ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Federal Government is fully committed to finding immediate and sustainable solutions to these critical corridors,” Umahi stated. He noted that the Ministry of Works brought together the NDDC, state authorities, and key construction firms along the Benin-Asaba axis to assess the structural damage and execute high-impact remedial measures.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment, NDDC Chief Executive Dr. Samuel Ogbuku disclosed that the agency has already scoped a strategic 15.4-kilometre stretch running between Benin, Ologbo Junction, and Sapele.
“We received numerous complaints regarding the severe hardship motorists face along this axis,” Ogbuku said. “Our collaboration with the Ministry of Works ensures that all remedial works align strictly with the original road design for long-term durability, supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to restore vital Niger Delta infrastructure.”
Expressing relief over the initiative, Governor Monday Okpebholo praised the President for his prompt response to the state’s infrastructure crisis.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the repairs, Okpebholo emphasized that Edo State serves as a vital national transit hub connecting the South-South, South-East, South-West, and Northern regions of Nigeria, making the restoration of these expressways a matter of urgent national priority.
