Delta Governor Orders Emergency Repairs on Damaged Warri-Benin Highway Section
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has ordered immediate repairs to a severely damaged section of the Warri-Benin Highway, intervening on a major federal road after mounting complaints from motorists over worsening traffic congestion and safety concerns.
The emergency works will focus on the failed Mosogar-Oghara stretch of the highway, one of southern Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors linking the oil-producing South-South region with other parts of the country.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, who said the governor approved the intervention in response to growing public concern over the deteriorating condition of the road.
“The governor considered it necessary to act because of the hardship being experienced daily by thousands of commuters and the strategic importance of the highway to economic activities,” Izeze said.
Although the Warri-Benin Highway falls under the responsibility of Nigeria’s Federal Government, the commissioner said the state government decided to carry out temporary remedial work while awaiting a comprehensive reconstruction by federal authorities.
According to Izeze, contractors from Obakpor Engineering Construction Company have already mobilised to the site with construction materials, including stones and sand, marking the beginning of emergency rehabilitation aimed at restoring traffic flow and improving road safety.
Economic Lifeline
The Warri-Benin Highway is a key transport artery connecting Delta State with neighbouring states and serves as a critical route for commercial transport, petroleum distribution, agricultural produce and interstate passenger travel.
Its deteriorating condition, particularly along the Mosogar-Oghara axis, has led to prolonged traffic gridlock, vehicle breakdowns, rising transport costs and increased travel times for commuters and freight operators.
The commissioner said the state government’s intervention is expected to provide immediate relief to motorists while reducing disruptions to commercial activities that depend on the highway.
Federal-State Cooperation
Izeze described the emergency repairs as an example of cooperation between federal and state authorities in addressing infrastructure challenges affecting citizens.
He said the intervention reflects the development priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which focuses on delivering infrastructure and improving public welfare.
“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,” the commissioner said.
The Delta State government did not indicate how long the emergency repairs would take but expressed confidence that the work would significantly improve traffic movement along the affected section pending long-term reconstruction by the Federal Government.
For many commuters and transport operators, the intervention offers temporary relief on a highway regarded as one of Nigeria’s most economically significant road networks.