Works Ministry, NDDC, others intervene on dilapidated Benin Bypass

A collaborative effort involving the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Federal Ministry of Works, and the Edo State Government is underway to address the severely degraded condition of the highways connecting Edo and Delta States. This urgent intervention aims to rectify the deplorable state of the Benin-Sapele-Warri and Benin-Agbor roads, which have subjected commuters and businesses to significant hardship.

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The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, alongside the Senate Committee and House of Representatives Committee on Works and the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, embarked on a joint inspection of the failed portions of the roads.

The joint inspection included Edo State Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, alongside members of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works, and NDDC Managing Director Dr. Samuel Ogbuku. Minister Umahi emphasized the Federal Government's commitment to finding immediate and sustainable solutions for the critical corridor, acting on a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

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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 undertake a joint inspection of the failed portions of the roads.

Dr. Ogbuku highlighted that the NDDC had received numerous complaints regarding the suffering of motorists along the Benin-Sapele corridor. The commission has already scoped 15.4 kilometers of the road, describing it as a strategic section in the region that has become unmotorable, causing gridlock and crippling the local economy. The NDDC and the Ministry of Works have agreed to collaborate on remedial work, ensuring it aligns with the road's original design and durability.

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He added that the commission had scoped 15.4 kilometres between Benin, Ologbo Junction and Sapele, describing it as a strategic road section in the region and noting that the bad stretch had become unmotorable, causing gridlock, hardship and crippling the local economy.

Governor Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for his swift response, noting that the intervention would halt the ongoing deterioration. He stressed the strategic importance of Edo State and how the highway's condition negatively impacts its position. The initiative reflects a commitment to restoring critical infrastructure, easing the burden on communities, and supporting President Tinubu's "Renewed Hope Agenda" by improving connectivity and stimulating economic activity.

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Also speaking at the road site, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the commission received complaints about the sufferings of motorists along the Benin-Sapele corridor and had taken steps to intervene.