Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered immediate repairs on the failed Mosogar-Oghara stretch of the Sapele-Benin Highway, a move aimed at easing the suffering of thousands of motorists and commuters on one of Nigeria’s busiest federal highways.
The directive followed widespread complaints by road users on social and conventional media over the deplorable condition of the strategic highway. In recent months, the road has become a major source of gridlock, extended travel time and safety concerns.
Emergency intervention approved
Announcing the governor’s approval Wednesday, the state commissioner for works (highways and urban roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, said the emergency intervention reflected Oborevwori’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure challenges that directly impact lives and livelihoods.
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Although the Sapele-Benin Highway is under federal jurisdiction, Izeze said the governor considered it imperative to intervene given the enormous hardship experienced by commuters and the route’s strategic importance to economic activities across the South-South region.
According to Izeze, the governor directed that immediate remedial work be carried out to restore traffic flow and improve safety while awaiting a comprehensive reconstruction by federal authorities.
He disclosed that Obakpor Engineering Construction Co. had already mobilized to the site with construction materials, including stones and sand, signaling the start of emergency rehabilitation.
The commissioner expressed confidence that the intervention would significantly reduce motorists’ suffering and improve vehicular movement along the affected section.
Cooperation between state and federal governments
Izeze noted that the decision highlights the spirit of cooperation between Delta State and the Federal Government in delivering infrastructure that improves citizens’ welfare. He described the intervention as a practical demonstration of shared development objectives embodied in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda.
“It further re-emphasises the mutual inclusivity of the BAT/SHERIFF vision for our people as captured by the Renewed Hope/M.O.R.E. Agenda of these national and sub-national visionaries respectively,” he said.
The Sapele-Benin Highway serves as a major gateway linking the South-South with other parts of the country. It is heavily used by commuters, commercial transport operators and haulage vehicles conveying petroleum products, agricultural produce and other goods.
The failed Mosogar-Oghara axis has become one of the most challenging sections of the highway. Persistent deterioration has resulted in frequent traffic bottlenecks, vehicle breakdowns and increased transportation costs.
The state government’s intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to road users while reinforcing its commitment to responsive governance and the well-being of the people.
