ASABA/Nigeria: Thousands of motorists and commuters travelling along the Warri-Benin Highway may soon get relief as the Delta State Government has commenced emergency repairs on the failed Mosogar-Oghara section of the federal road following worsening traffic congestion and public complaints.
The intervention was announced on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, who said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had approved immediate remedial work to restore traffic flow and improve safety on the affected stretch.
Izeze said although the Warri-Benin Highway falls under the Federal Government’s jurisdiction, the state government decided to intervene because of the hardship being experienced by road users and the strategic importance of the route to economic activities in the South-South.
According to him, the governor directed that temporary repairs be carried out pending a comprehensive reconstruction of the highway by the appropriate federal authorities.
He disclosed that Obakpor Engineering Construction Company had already mobilised to the site with construction materials, including stones and sand, to begin the emergency rehabilitation.
The commissioner expressed optimism that the intervention would ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and improve safety for motorists using the busy highway.
He explained that the decision was informed by the increasing deterioration of the Mosogar-Oghara axis, which has in recent months generated widespread complaints from motorists on social media and other public platforms over prolonged delays, vehicle breakdowns and the poor condition of the road.
The Warri-Benin Highway is one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors, serving as a major link between the South-South and other parts of the country. It is frequently used by commuters, commercial transport operators and heavy-duty vehicles conveying petroleum products, agricultural produce and other goods.
Izeze noted that while the repairs would provide temporary relief to road users, lasting improvement would depend on the planned reconstruction of the highway by the Federal Government.
He added that the state’s intervention was aimed at reducing the immediate burden on commuters and ensuring safer passage along the affected section until permanent work begins.
The Mosogar-Oghara stretch has become one of the most difficult sections of the highway, with persistent pavement failure causing severe traffic bottlenecks, increased transportation costs and longer travel times for road users.
