Federal Ministry of Works Commits to Urgent Repairs on Benin-Sapele Road Amid Growing Concerns
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Works has reaffirmed its dedication to addressing the critical deterioration of the Benin–Sapele Road, particularly the section extending towards Obayantor in Edo State.
This pledge comes in response to a formal appeal from the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA), which has highlighted the road’s poor condition and its far-reaching socio-economic consequences.
In a statement released on Thursday, signed by Mohammed Ahmed, the Director of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry, officials emphasized the government’s intent to act swiftly.
The assurance was delivered during a high-level meeting at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where representatives from BORBDA presented a compelling case for immediate intervention.
The meeting, chaired by Bello Goronyo, the Minister of State for Works, on behalf of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, underscored the urgency of the situation.
Goronyo expressed deep concern over the road’s impact on regional security and the economy, describing it as a threat to national stability. “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,” he stated.
The Benin-Sapele Road, a vital artery connecting key communities in Edo State, has fallen into disrepair, affecting a 24-kilometre stretch that includes the route towards Obayantor.
According to Adekanmbi Samuel, the Managing Director of BORBDA, the road’s condition has led to severe challenges, including heightened insecurity, economic disruptions, and adverse effects on agriculture and power infrastructure.
Samuel’s presentation detailed how the potholed and eroded sections have become hotspots for criminal activities such as kidnappings, further exacerbating the plight of local residents and businesses.
The road’s deterioration has paralyzed economic activities in the region, with transporters and farmers reporting significant losses due to delays and vehicle damage.
This has ripple effects on food security, as the route is crucial for the movement of agricultural produce from rural areas to urban markets. Additionally, the poor state of the infrastructure has disrupted power supply chains, impacting essential services and hindering development in the Benin-Owena River Basin area.
BORBDA’s appeal to the Ministry highlights a broader call for government action on Nigeria’s aging road network, which has long been a bottleneck for economic growth. The Authority’s report pointed out that the road’s neglect has not only stifled trade but also deterred investments, potentially worsening poverty levels in affected communities.
In response, the Ministry has promised to prioritize the project, with plans to allocate resources for emergency repairs and long-term rehabilitation. While specific timelines were not disclosed in the statement, officials indicated that assessments would begin immediately to address the most critical sections.
This development aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which has emphasized infrastructure as a key driver of economic recovery.
Stakeholders, including local leaders and civil society groups, have welcomed the Ministry’s commitment, urging for transparent and efficient execution to mitigate the ongoing hardships.
As Nigeria grapples with nationwide infrastructure challenges, the Benin-Sapele Road intervention serves as a test case for the government’s responsiveness to public appeals.
Residents and experts alike hope that this pledge translates into tangible improvements, fostering safer travel and boosting socio-economic activities in Edo State and beyond.
