Works Minister David Umahi is set to inspect the deteriorating Benin-Asaba road following growing concerns over severe traffic congestion, poor road conditions and the hardship faced by motorists using the busy route.
The inspection is expected to bring together the minister, independent engineers, the concessionaire handling the project and officials of the Edo State Government as the Federal Government searches for an urgent solution to the worsening situation.
Umahi expressed concern over the state of the road, particularly the removal of sections of asphalt without corresponding rehabilitation work. He said more than 30 kilometres of asphalt had reportedly been removed, contributing to the difficult driving conditions and prolonged traffic delays.
The Benin-Asaba route is an important transport corridor connecting parts of southern Nigeria, carrying large numbers of commercial vehicles, commuters and travellers every day. The worsening condition has reportedly resulted in hours of delays and significant hardship for motorists, particularly during peak periods.
The minister's planned visit is expected to focus on identifying the immediate causes of the gridlock, assessing ongoing construction and rehabilitation work, and determining practical measures to restore smoother traffic flow.
Umahi has also indicated that the government will engage relevant stakeholders to ensure that work on the road progresses and that motorists are not left to bear the consequences of prolonged construction delays.
For businesses and transport operators that depend on the route, resolving the crisis is particularly important as extended travel times increase fuel consumption, transportation costs and delivery delays.
The Federal Government is now under pressure to deliver a lasting solution as motorists continue to demand urgent action on one of the region's most important road corridors