CSO urges Tinubu, Edo, Delta governors to declare infrastructure emergency

…Calls for joint task force, says corridor has become a governance emergency

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Ochuko Akuopha

ASABA — The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on President Bola Tinubu and the governors of Edo and Delta states to declare the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway an Infrastructure Emergency Zone and take immediate steps to reconstruct the failed road.

The call was contained in the inaugural edition of The Common Good Letter, a monthly public accountability report released in July 2026.

In the report, ANEEJ Executive Director, Rev. David Ugolor, described the highway as a public safety and economic emergency that continues to affect millions of people in the Niger Delta.

Addressing President Tinubu and the governors of Edo and Delta states, Ugolor said the road, which links the two states, had become a corridor of hardship, insecurity and economic decline.

According to the report, “Every day, thousands of Nigerians endure hours of avoidable delays, damaged vehicles, escalating transport costs and significant economic losses.

“More alarming is the growing insecurity. The deplorable condition of the road has created opportunities for kidnappers and other criminal elements who prey on stranded motorists.”

Ugolor said the poor condition of the highway had also affected farmers, patients, students and families.

He noted that farmers lose perishable produce before reaching markets, patients experience delays in accessing healthcare, students miss classes, while some families have paid ransoms or lost loved ones to attacks along the route.

The ANEEJ Executive Director observed that despite repeated interventions and funding announcements by successive governments and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), road users had seen little improvement.

He urged the Federal Government and the governments of Edo and Delta states to leverage their working relationship to fast-track the rehabilitation of the highway.

Ugolor proposed five immediate measures, including a joint infrastructure emergency declaration by Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori; a presidential directive for accelerated reconstruction; publication of contract and funding details by the Federal Ministry of Works and the NDDC; independent monitoring involving civil society groups and host communities; and emergency repairs alongside increased security patrols pending full reconstruction.

“This is no longer merely a road maintenance issue. It is a public safety emergency, an economic emergency and a governance emergency.

“The people are not asking for miracles. They are asking for safe roads, transparent governance and effective leadership,” he said.

Ugolor added that the Benin–Sapele–Warri highway should become “a national example of how collaboration, accountability and political will can restore public confidence and unlock economic opportunity.”