Minister Charges NDDC to Fast-Track Sapele-Benin Expressway Reconstruction

The Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has directed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to fast-track the reconstruction of damaged sections of the Sapele-Benin Expressway linking Edo and Delta States.

Momoh gave the directive during an inspection of the ongoing reconstruction project alongside the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Dr Victor Antai.

He expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the highway and urged the construction company handling the project to accelerate work to restore the road and improve the safety of commuters and other road users.

The minister commended the commission for intervening in the reconstruction of 15.4 kilometres of failed sections, describing the project as a significant effort towards easing transportation and boosting economic activities in both states.

He assured that observations made during the inspection would receive attention, adding that relevant government agencies and contractors would be encouraged to address identified defects.

Momoh reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment under President Bola Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda to providing durable road infrastructure that would strengthen transportation and support economic activities along the East-West Road corridor.

Speaking during the inspection, Antai said the reconstruction covered approximately 15.4 kilometres and assured that work would be accelerated.

He explained that the repairs were being executed in phases because the highway served as a major transportation route in the South-South region, making it necessary to maintain movement while construction continued.

Antai disclosed that the road had previously become nearly impassable, with trucks overturning and causing severe traffic congestion before the commission's intervention.

He added that the NDDC was committed to fully restoring the highway, while its board and management, led by Chairman Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku, remained focused on delivering the project.

The construction firm's site manager, Michel Isah, assured that the work would be completed within three months, provided weather conditions remained favourable. He attributed some of the delays to adverse weather.

The inspection covered sections around Ibada Elume in Warri-Sapele Local Government Area, Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area and Okwadede in Sapele Local Government Area.