THE NEGLECTED FEDERAL HIGHWAYS

The Nigerian government is facing criticism for neglecting its federal highways, with residents and businesses in the Niger Delta demanding better road infrastructure. In response, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) recently flagged off the reconstruction of the Sapele-Benin Expressway, a 15.4-kilometre road that links the South-South region to the rest of the country.

The NDDC's managing director apologized for the prolonged hardship caused by the poor condition of the road, and community leaders have urged the commission to extend the intervention to other critically degraded roads, such as Amukpe-Abraka-Agbor and Sapele-Warri.

The Benin-Asaba road, which connects to various destinations including the South-East, Delta, and Abuja, has been particularly problematic. Passengers have reported spending excessive amounts of time traversing the highway, with some journeys taking up to eight hours instead of the usual 50 minutes. In some cases, commuters have been stranded for days, forced to sleep in buses with their families while seeking food and water.

The Works Minister, David Umahi, visited the troubled sections of the highway, but the concessionaire responsible for the Benin-Asaba project has reportedly left the road in an even worse state than when he arrived. Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the minister of deliberately neglecting roads in Edo and Delta States due to their poor condition over the years.

The neglect of many federal roads in Nigeria has become a significant issue, with many highways being fraught with craters, potholes, and other hazards. Last week, commuters and residents on the 9th Mile-Obollo Affor-Makurdi highway and the Eha-Nkalagu road expressed their frustration over the deplorable condition, citing increased risks of kidnapping, vehicle breakdowns, and dust pollution.

Major roads such as the Benin-Auchi Highway, Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu, Ikot Ekpene-Umuahia, and Calabar-Itu-Uyo are in dire need of attention. The systemic neglect of these roads has prompted many Nigerians to question the government's priorities, particularly in light of the significant costs associated with these issues. Delays, accidents, and lost productivity due to poor road conditions have become increasingly burdensome for the population.

Additionally, the socio-economic toll on the country's economy, including billions of naira lost annually from goods and services that perish in road accidents, cannot be overlooked.

The tragedies and mounting problems on Nigeria's roads can be mitigated through prompt and inexpensive remedial interventions, ensuring that the country's transportation network remains functional and safe for all citizens.