The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, have expressed deep concern over the deplorable condition of federal roads in Edo, describing the hardship faced by motorists as both tragic and unacceptable.

The leaders made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass, where they lamented the years of neglect that had left commuters stranded and endangered daily road users.

“Motorists Face Harsh Realities Nationwide” — Umahi

Speaking after the inspection, Minister Umahi acknowledged that federal road challenges were widespread across Nigeria. According to him, “No motorist can travel 100 kilometres on federal highways without encountering major problems. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met an overwhelming situation regarding roads and bridges.”

He, however, dismissed criticisms about the government’s pace of work, insisting that the President remained committed to delivering durable and lasting road solutions nationwide.

Okpebholo Commends Tinubu, Demands Urgent Action

Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, praised President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo’s road concerns and commended Umahi for promptly responding to calls for federal intervention.

The governor recalled his personal visit to the same road weeks earlier, where he witnessed stranded motorists, multiple accidents, and the devastating effect of poor infrastructure on the people.

Okpebholo stressed that good roads were not only vital for citizens’ welfare and economic growth but also crucial for sustaining the credibility of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and beyond.

The Way Forward

Both leaders assured Edo residents that rehabilitation of critical roads would begin without delay, with renewed commitment from the Federal Government to reverse decades of infrastructural decay.