Nigeria TV Info — Residents, Business Owners Decry Slow Pace of Benin-Sapele Road Repairs

Benin City, Edo State — Business owners and residents along the Benin-Sapele road axis have expressed frustration over the slow pace of ongoing repairs on the critical road, describing it as a growing source of hardship and danger.

The road, stretching from the By-pass area to the Ologbo-Koko junction, has been in a state of deterioration since 2018, with experts attributing the problem to poor drainage design and inadequate maintenance of drains. Edo State Government had taken over part of the rehabilitation project earlier initiated by Levant Construction Firm, completing 5.5 kilometres of stone-based and reinforced concrete pavement.

Political differences between the Edo State Government and the Federal Government further stalled progress, leaving the road nearly impassable for months. This road serves as a key link between the South-west and South-south corridors, and its poor condition has disrupted transport and commerce.

A resident of Ogheghe, Igbinovia Lucky, lamented the hardship, saying, “Since I moved into my apartment in 2022, travelling to and from work has been a nightmare. A trip that should take 30 to 45 minutes now lasts five to six hours. This is the reality for many who live along this road.”

Transporter Sunday Ochuko also highlighted safety concerns, stating, “The state of the road increases accident risks, with trucks often getting stuck, tipping over, or being delayed for days, causing losses for business operators and travellers alike.”

Residents and business owners are calling for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities to accelerate the road rehabilitation and ensure safety for commuters.