Nigeria begins assessment of flood-hit Benin-Sagamu Expressway

Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Works has begun assessing flood-damaged sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway, a vital route disrupted by recent torrential rainfall. Minister of Works Dave Umahi inspected the affected areas in Ondo State, pinpointing three critical flood-prone locations: Agofure at Km 100, Adolak Junction near Ore Flyover Bridge at Km 107, and the Agric Section at Km 117.

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The recent intense precipitation across the country has caused widespread flooding in various communities and along major road corridors, a phenomenon widely attributed to ongoing climate change impacts.

The ministry is proposing targeted engineering interventions to address these issues. The inspection's goal was to identify these vulnerable spots and devise solutions to prevent future flooding and enhance highway safety. Minister Umahi, represented by the Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr Olajide Hussein, emphasized the ministry's commitment to tackling the challenge posed by widespread flooding across the country, which is increasingly attributed to climate change.

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We are currently tracing the sources of the overflow to implement proactive solutions, including the potential resizing of cross-culverts and desilting blocked channels.

Technical evaluations are underway to understand the causes of the overflow, including hydraulic assessments of existing culverts and drainage channels. "We are currently tracing the sources of the overflow to implement proactive solutions, including the potential resizing of cross-culverts and desilting blocked channels," Umahi stated. He assured road users that the ministry is taking swift technical steps to improve drainage capacity, mitigate storm runoff impacts, and guarantee safe, uninterrupted passage on the expressway. The minister also conveyed sympathy to those affected by the floods.

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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.