The Federal Ministry of Works has intensified efforts to address critical failures along major highways in Delta State, with ongoing remedial and emergency interventions on the Benin–Asaba and Benin–Sapele–Effurun Highways, as well as emergency repair works on the First Niger Bridge.
The interventions aim to restore motorability on distressed sections, improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and provide immediate relief to motorists and other road users facing difficulties along the affected corridors.
This followed a fresh inspection tour of the affected locations by officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), contractors, and other relevant stakeholders to assess road conditions and monitor the progress of ongoing interventions.
The Federal Controller of Works in Delta State, Engr. Prince Oliseh, who led the Federal Ministry’s delegation, said the interventions were in line with the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, to ensure that critical highway infrastructure remains functional, safe and accessible to road users.
Engr. Oliseh noted that the Honourable Minister had continued to place strong emphasis on the prompt rehabilitation of critical sections of the nation’s highways, adding that the interventions in Delta State were already producing visible improvements in traffic movement and road conditions at several locations.
At the First Niger Bridge, the Federal Controller inspected the ongoing emergency repair works being executed by Messrs SKECC Nigeria Limited and noted that the contractor was making steady progress.
The intervention is focused on addressing damaged bridge components and improving the overall serviceability and safety of the bridge. The emergency repair works are scheduled for 7th to 21st September, 2026.
To facilitate the safe and efficient execution of the repairs, traffic has, in the interim, been diverted to the Second Niger Bridge. Engr. Oliseh appealed to motorists and members of the general public to exercise patience and understanding during the period of the intervention, assuring them that the works are scheduled for completion within the stipulated period, after which normal traffic movement will resume.
The ongoing preparatory works include the scarification of the Asaba- and Onitsha-bound approach lanes and milling of the existing asphalt pavement on the bridge, preparatory to the execution of the required remedial works.
He stated that the Ministry was closely monitoring the intervention to ensure compliance with approved specifications and the directives of the Honourable Minister of Works.
The inspection team also assessed critical failed sections along the Delta State axis of the Benin–Asaba Highway, where contractors have been directed to intensify remedial activities.
At the Summit Junction–River Niger Bridge Head section, covering approximately 11.5 kilometres, materials mobilised by Hartland Nigeria Limited have started arriving at the site, including hardcore required for the permanent remedial works.
The Project Manager informed the inspection team that permanent works are expected to commence shortly, following the resolutions of some pending issues by the contractor’s management team.
The Federal Controller reiterated the Ministry’s directive for sustained mobilisation and the prompt commencement of permanent works, particularly at the most severely distressed locations.
Further along the Benin–Asaba Highway, CCECC Nigeria Limited has undertaken remedial works on critical failed portions between Ubulu-Okiti and Onicha-Ugbo, significantly improving the motorability of the affected sections. The intervention has particularly improved the Asaba-bound carriageway around the bridge area and the section between Km 106 and Km 107 at Ubulu-Okiti.
With the immediate traffic constraints substantially eased at these locations, CCECC has been directed to proceed with the permanent works and everything is in top gear. The contractor assured the inspection team that permanent works would commence within the next few days, following the conclusion of the necessary mobilisation arrangements.
Engr. Oliseh said the Ministry would continue to monitor the activities of the contractors to ensure timely execution and compliance with the required standards.
The inspection team proceeded to the Benin–Sapele–Effurun Highway, particularly the Ibada-Elume–Ugbenu-Oghara axis, where a number of sections have experienced significant deterioration.
A joint assessment by the Federal Ministry of Works, NDDC and SKECC identified several critical failed portions requiring urgent intervention. The severity of the failures in some locations had resulted in considerable traffic congestion during the inspection, making it necessary for members of the inspection team to use motorcycles to access and assess some of the distressed sections.
Following the assessment, palliative works have commenced and are progressing steadily on the most critical portions. The intervention is already improving motorability and facilitating smoother movement of traffic along the affected corridor.
Engr. Oliseh explained that the joint inspection was undertaken primarily to identify and prioritise critical failed sections for possible NDDC intervention, particularly along the Oghara–Ibada–Elume axis.
He disclosed that, following further engagement with the NDDC Headquarters, the Commission is proposing to concentrate its initial intervention largely on the Delta State section of the corridor before extending attention to the Edo State section.
While the detailed scope of work and Bills of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) for the broader intervention are being finalised, the NDDC has commenced palliative repairs on the most distressed portions as an immediate measure to restore motorability and ease traffic movement.
Engr. Oliseh assured motorists and other road users that the Federal Government was fully aware of the challenges being experienced along the affected corridors and had taken concrete measures to address the most critical sections.
He emphasised that the ongoing interventions reflect a coordinated effort involving the Federal Ministry of Works, NDDC, contractors and other relevant stakeholders, with priority being given to restoring traffic flow, improving road safety and ensuring that critical routes remain accessible.
The Federal Controller commended the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, for his sustained leadership, close supervision and decisive approach to addressing critical infrastructure challenges across the country.
He noted that the Minister’s regular inspections, direct engagement with contractors and clear prioritisation of distressed sections had continued to accelerate interventions on major highways and provide practical solutions to challenges confronting road users.
He assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Works would sustain its monitoring of the ongoing works and continue to engage contractors and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the interventions are effectively implemented and the affected roads progressively restored to safe and serviceable conditions.
He also appealed to motorists to exercise caution when approaching work zones and to cooperate with traffic management personnel and contractors in the interest of safety and the smooth execution of the works.
The Federal Controller further assured road users that the Ministry would continue to provide updates on the progress of the interventions as the Federal Government sustains its efforts to improve road connectivity, safety and ease of movement across Delta State, the Niger Delta and the country at large.
