Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue rehabilitating and reconstructing federal highways across the state, saying he will not allow the poor state of road infrastructure to continue endangering lives and crippling economic activities.
Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing rehabilitation works along the Ologbo axis of the Benin–Sapele Highway on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo lamented the deplorable condition of several federal roads in the state, which have remained neglected for years despite their importance to interstate trade and transport. He said his government had decided to intervene directly, even though the affected highways are under the purview of the Federal Government.
“You can see for yourself how terrible this road is. It looks as though no government has ever existed here. I cannot fold my arms and allow my people to continue suffering or dying on these roads while waiting endlessly for federal action,” the governor said. “We will continue the rehabilitation work to restore safety and accessibility, and afterward, we will seek reimbursement from the Federal Government.”
Okpebholo explained that his administration had already secured the approval of the Federal Ministry of Works to take over the 10.15-kilometre stretch of the Benin–Sapele Road currently undergoing reconstruction. The intervention, he said, extends from the previous 23.2-kilometre section already being worked on by the state government. He added that the project would include comprehensive drainage works, asphalt overlay, and the reconstruction of collapsed sections to prevent further deterioration.
During the inspection, the governor was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Project Implementation, Engr. Victor Ojie, who provided technical details of the project. Ojie disclosed that nearly 8 kilometres of stone base and 5 kilometres of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) had already been completed, while the drainage works were nearing 70 per cent completion. He assured that the project team was working around the clock to ensure that the entire stretch becomes fully motorable before the next rainy season.
Governor Okpebholo also decried the loss of lives and properties on the road due to its dilapidated condition. He recalled a recent incident in which a petrol tanker overturned near Ologbo, causing a major fire and loss of goods. According to him, such tragedies underscore the urgency of government intervention.
“This road is one of the busiest in the South-South region, connecting Edo to Delta and beyond. It is unacceptable that it has been allowed to deteriorate to this point. I am committed to making sure our people can move freely and safely,” he said.
Motorists and traders plying the route commended the state government for its intervention. A commercial driver, Mr. Godwin Aigbe, told reporters that the road had been “a nightmare for years,” adding that the rehabilitation work had already brought some relief. “Before now, it took us almost three hours to drive from Benin to Ologbo. Now it takes less than one hour, and that’s a big improvement,” he said.
Similarly, a market woman, Mrs. Uyi Igbinedion, who transports perishable goods along the route, praised the governor’s prompt response. “Our goods used to spoil because of the long delays on the bad portions of the road. With what the governor is doing, we can now move faster and save our products,” she said.
Okpebholo, who described road infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, promised to extend similar interventions to other major federal roads in the state, including the Benin–Auchi and Benin–Agbor highways. He emphasised that his government would continue to prioritise projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly in rural communities.
“We are determined to fix as many roads as possible because that’s how to boost the local economy, reduce transportation costs, and attract investment. Even if it means spending state funds on federal roads, we will do it and later pursue refund through the appropriate channels,” he stated.
The governor’s proactive approach has drawn commendation from transport unions and business associations in Edo, who have urged the Federal Government to expedite the reimbursement process once the projects are completed.
Analysts say the intervention is significant, as federal roads in Nigeria have become increasingly impassable due to delayed maintenance, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and funding constraints. Edo’s decision to step in mirrors a growing trend among states that have taken on the responsibility of fixing critical infrastructure to ensure smooth economic operations.
As work progresses, the state government has assured residents of transparency, quality assurance, and timely completion of the projects. Okpebholo reiterated that every section repaired would be built to last, ensuring that Edo’s road network becomes a model for sustainable infrastructure maintenance in Nigeria.
With this renewed commitment, Edo State appears poised to set a new standard in sub-national road intervention, prioritising citizens’ welfare over political boundaries and bureaucratic delays.
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