Federal Roads in South-South Zone

Despite the South-South region's valuable contributions to Nigeria's economy, its federal roads are in a dire state, according to Etim Etim. This region, rich in hydrocarbon deposits and responsible for substantial foreign exchange earnings, has the worst federal road network in the country. For over a quarter of a century, no major investment has been made in federal road infrastructure in this area, despite its significant hydrocarbon resources and economic importance.

The last federal highway constructed in this region was in the early years of the Obasanjo administration, under the leadership of Chief Tony Anenih and Mike Onolememen, both sons of the soil from Edo State. Since the Benin-Asaba Highway was opened in 2001, all federal roads in the South-South region have deteriorated severely. A recent video showed travelers clearing bush paths in Delta State to get buses moving, highlighting the severe impact of these poor roads on commuters.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, blamed the concessionaire for poor workmanship and lack of technical knowledge, accusing them of removing asphalt without proper drainage, which led to erosion and infrastructure damage. Umahi apologized to commuters and promised President Bola Tinubu's intervention, with competent contractors including China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) set to arrive soon for emergency repairs.

The Benin-Asaba Highway is one of many major roads in the South-South region in terrible condition, including others like Benin-Sapele, Benin-Warri, Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu, Ikot Ekpene-Umuahia, and Calabar-Itu-Uyo. Senator Adams Oshiomhole accused Umahi of regional bias and neglect, criticizing his focus on the Lagos-Calabar coastal road and his lack of attention to critical economic corridors in the South-South.