By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Civil Society Organizational Forum (DELCOF) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the deteriorating condition of the Asaba-Onitsha and Asaba-Benin road corridors, demanding urgent intervention, accountability and improved road safety.
In a statement signed by the Executive Council of DELCOF and made available to the media in Asaba on September 13, 2026, the forum expressed concern over the state of the two major routes and called for measures to address the challenges affecting motorists, businesses and communities.
The organisation said the Asaba-Onitsha Road project, covering the stretch from Summit Junction in Asaba to the Onitsha Head Bridge, and the Asaba-Benin concessions project were critical to regional transportation and economic activities.
DELCOF alleged that delays and inadequate attention to the projects had contributed to prolonged traffic congestion, economic losses and security concerns along the corridors. It urged the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure that remedial construction activities were carried out promptly and to appropriate engineering standards.
The forum specifically raised questions about the reported ₦14 billion allocation for the 11-kilometre Asaba-Onitsha Road project, which it said included channelisation and hydraulic structures. According to DELCOF, the project was reportedly about 40 per cent complete, a situation it said required urgent clarification and intervention by the relevant authorities.
It also expressed concern over the reported stagnation of the ₦244 billion Asaba-Benin concessions project, calling for greater transparency regarding the project’s implementation, contractual obligations and progress.
The organisation criticised what it described as inadequate supervisory action by the Federal Ministry of Works and said public statements on the road projects should be followed by measurable construction activities.
DELCOF further called for investigations into the contractor’s handling of the Asaba-Onitsha project, including its financial and contractual obligations. It urged relevant government agencies to establish the facts surrounding the project’s implementation and take appropriate action where violations were established.
Among its demands, the forum requested the immediate mobilisation of competent engineering firms to undertake continuous remedial works on both corridors within the 14-day period.
It also called for the resignation of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, if the ministry was unable to ensure effective supervision and enforcement of contractual obligations. The demand reflects the forum’s position that the ministry bears responsibility for ensuring that federal road projects are properly executed.
DELCOF said it had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over concerns relating to the projects and urged relevant authorities to investigate any allegations of financial misconduct or contractual violations.
The forum warned that failure to address its demands within 14 days would lead to the mobilisation of a peaceful civil action involving civil society organisations, trade unions, transport workers and other affected citizens.
It said the proposed action would seek to draw attention to the condition of the roads and press for government accountability, while urging stakeholders to maintain peace and avoid actions that could endanger lives or property.
DELCOF reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for improved infrastructure, responsible public spending and the protection of citizens’ economic and social interests across Delta State.
