A civil society organisation has called on President Bola Tinubu and the governors of Edo and Delta states to declare the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway an infrastructure emergency zone, warning that the deteriorating road has become a major threat to lives, security and economic activities.
The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) made the appeal in its latest public accountability report, describing the highway as a critical transport corridor now plagued by severe deterioration, rising insecurity and mounting economic losses.
ANEEJ’s Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, said thousands of commuters face prolonged delays daily, while transport costs continue to rise because of the poor condition of the road.
He added that stranded motorists have increasingly become targets of kidnappers and other criminal elements.
The organisation noted that farmers are losing perishable produce before reaching markets, patients are delayed in accessing healthcare, students miss academic activities and many families have suffered attacks while travelling along the route.
To address the situation, ANEEJ urged the Federal Government and the Edo and Delta State governments to work together by declaring the highway an infrastructure emergency, accelerating reconstruction, ensuring transparency in contract implementation, involving civil society in project monitoring and carrying out immediate repairs while strengthening security patrols.
The group stressed that restoring the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway would improve public safety, revive economic activities and rebuild public confidence in government infrastructure delivery.
