The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the state’s road network through the Ministry of Works, in a bid to ease the hardship faced by commuters due to failed sections of major federal highways in the state.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Works, Hon. Felix Akhabue, during an inspection of ongoing construction on the Benin–Sapele Road. He explained that the renewed effort follows the directive of Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has instructed the ministry to take full advantage of the dry season to accelerate road construction across the state.
Akhabue noted that more than 200 kilometres of roads are currently under construction statewide. He further highlighted that the governor recently awarded contracts to two construction firms—CCECC and CBC—to fast-track the rehabilitation of the Benin–Sapele Road, especially as the yuletide season approaches.
Justifying the governor’s intervention, he said: “The governor is attending to both state and federal roads because it is not only federal road users who ply these routes—Edo people use them too. Palliative work is ongoing on the badly damaged sections to ease traffic, while major construction continues simultaneously.”
The Commissioner added that the governor’s intervention on the Benin–Ekpoma–Auchi Road has already reduced travel time and significantly minimised the risks previously associated with its failed sections, making the journey safer and more convenient for motorists.
