President Bola Tinubu directs the Works Ministry to intervene urgently as stranded motorists and commuters face severe delays on the critical South-South–South-East corridor.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently intervene in the deteriorating condition of the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road, following growing concerns over severe gridlock and the hardship faced by motorists and commuters using the major highway.

The directive was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who said the President ordered immediate action in response to reports of worsening traffic congestion and travellers being stranded for prolonged periods along the route.

The Benin–Agbor–Asaba corridor is one of the major road links connecting communities and commercial centres across the South-South and South-East regions. The route is heavily used by private motorists, commercial transport operators, traders and businesses moving people and goods between Edo and Delta states and other parts of the country.

The worsening condition of sections of the road has reportedly resulted in long queues, slow movement and significant delays for road users.

For travellers, the situation has become more than an inconvenience, with some motorists reportedly spending several hours navigating badly affected portions of the highway. Transport operators and businesses are also bearing the economic consequences of prolonged travel times, increased fuel consumption and delays in the movement of goods.

Umahi said the President’s intervention was aimed at addressing the immediate difficulties faced by road users while efforts are made to improve the condition of the affected sections.

The minister’s disclosure comes amid renewed calls for urgent attention to major federal highways across the country, particularly those serving as critical economic corridors.

The Benin–Agbor–Asaba Road is particularly important because of its strategic role in connecting the South-South with the South-East. Any major disruption along the corridor can have a ripple effect on transportation, trade and economic activities in several states.

The Federal Government’s planned intervention is expected to focus on urgent repairs and measures to ease the traffic situation and restore smoother movement along the affected portions of the highway.

However, motorists and other road users are likely to watch closely to see how quickly the directive translates into physical work on the road, particularly as congestion continues to cause hardship.

The latest development also highlights the need for sustained maintenance of major highways rather than waiting until deteriorating road conditions trigger severe traffic disruptions.

For thousands of Nigerians who depend on the Benin–Agbor–Asaba route daily, the immediate priority is clear: getting the road back into usable condition and ending the prolonged gridlock.