Benin–Sapele Road Gets FG’s Emergency Attention

The Federal Ministry of Works has reaffirmed its resolve to expedite rehabilitation efforts on the critically degraded Benin–Sapele Road, with particular attention to the Obayantor axis in Edo State, which has become a flashpoint of socio-economic hardship.

This renewed commitment comes in the wake of a formal petition by the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, which raised alarm over the worsening condition of the road and its cascading effects on regional trade, security, and livelihoods.

In a statement issued Thursday by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, the pledge emerged from a high-level strategic meeting at the Ministry’s Abuja headquarters, where the Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Adekanmbi Samuel, made an impassioned case for urgent federal intervention.

Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, described the road’s collapse as not only a logistical nightmare but a direct contributor to rising insecurity and commercial stagnation in the area. He assured that the Ministry is prioritizing the project as part of broader national infrastructure stabilization plans.

Goronyo emphasized that the Federal Government recognizes the critical role the Benin–Sapele Road plays as an economic artery for the South-South region and pledged that remedial action would commence without further bureaucratic delays.

In his remarks, Goronyo stated, “I have listened with a heavy heart to your presentations. The kidnappings along that corridor, the economic losses, and the direct threat to food security are not palatable. This is not just about roads; it’s about national stability and the well-being of our people. I assure you that the Ministry, under the leadership of Engr. Umahi is committed to acting swiftly and decisively.”

The BORBDA Managing Director gave a detailed account of the challenges along the 24-kilometre stretch, emphasising the insecurity, economic dislocation, and impact on agriculture and power infrastructure.

He stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration in supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s emergency declaration on food security.

Earlier, the Director of Highways, Bridges and Design, Bede Obioha, who stood in for the Permanent Secretary, acknowledged the urgency of the issues raised and commended the spirit of cooperation.

“We welcome engagements like this as they help us identify critical gaps.

“This Ministry remains responsive and committed to resolving transport-related challenges, wherever they occur,” he affirmed, assuring that the concerns raised would be captured for prompt action.

Spanning approximately 120 kilometres, the Benin–Sapele Road serves as a critical transport corridor linking Benin City in Edo State to Sapele in Delta State. Once a bustling gateway for commerce and regional mobility, years of systemic neglect have left the route in a perilous state of disrepair, severely impeding economic activities and endangering commuters.

The severity of the degradation was starkly underscored in 2023 when the convoy of former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was dramatically stranded in deep mud following a torrential downpour. The incident spotlighted the road’s alarming condition and intensified calls for urgent federal intervention.

Africa Today News, New York