President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently intervene in the worsening condition of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road, where motorists and commuters have been trapped in severe gridlock for days.
The presidential directive follows growing concerns over the deteriorating highway, a major interstate corridor linking parts of Edo and Delta states, with the crisis disrupting the movement of people and goods.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed the directive in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Francis Nwaze.
According to Umahi, Tinubu ordered the ministry to take immediate corrective measures to restore movement along the affected corridor and ease the hardship faced by road users.
“President Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently intervene and ensure that necessary corrective actions are taken to restore movement on the affected roads as quickly as possible,” Umahi said.
The minister said he would personally lead the intervention, adding that implementation of the President’s directive had already commenced.
Umahi arrived in Benin, Edo State, on Tuesday alongside members of the National Assembly Works Committees to assess the extent of the damage and discuss immediate remedial measures.
The intervention is expected to involve the Edo and Delta State governments as well as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The Benin-Agbor-Asaba corridor has witnessed days of severe traffic congestion following the failure of sections of the highway and the worsening condition of the road.
The situation has reportedly brought movement along parts of the major interstate route almost to a standstill. Some travellers have reportedly abandoned their vehicles and resorted to trekking or seeking alternative means of transportation.
The crisis has also disrupted the movement of agricultural produce, commercial goods and other essential supplies, with businesses and transport operators bearing the impact of the prolonged gridlock.
On August 20, residents and motorists staged a protest over the condition of the Benin-Agbor bypass. Videos from the protest showed motorists struggling to navigate badly damaged and muddy portions of the road.
Responding to the public outcry, Umahi accepted responsibility on behalf of the ministry and apologised to motorists and commuters affected by the situation.
He assured road users that the Federal Government would deploy immediate measures to restore traffic flow while working towards permanent solutions to the recurring problems along the highway.
“We are determined to take immediate corrective measures while working towards permanent solutions,” the minister said.
The latest directive signals an intensified Federal Government response to the crisis as motorists and commuters await relief from the prolonged gridlock on one of the South-South’s major transportation corridors.
