The Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has flagged off the reconstruction of Benin-Sapele Expressway being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Delta State.
Speaking during the flags-off of the reconstruction of the Benin-Sapele Expressway at Amukpe Roundabout, Governor Oborevwori stated that the NDDC had demonstrated considerable partnership with the governors of the nine Niger Delta states, noting that the Commission had executed projects that reflect the aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta region since the inception of the governing board.
The Governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended the President for his policies and programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He stated: “As a government, we remain open to partnerships with the NDDC to promote sustainable development and improve the livelihood of the people.
In his remarks, the NDDC’s Governing Board Chairman, Mr Chiedu Ebie, said the intervention reflected the Commission’s commitment to complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to restore critical infrastructure and ease the burden on communities and road users across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the NDDC was committed to supporting the President Bola Tinubu’s administration by delivering strategic infrastructure interventions that improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the quality of life of Nigerians.
Speaking in a similar vein, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the Commission shared in the pains of motorists who had suffered while using the Benin-Sapele corridor and other bad spots on the East-West Road.
Ogbuku stated: “Following the presidential directive to intervene swiftly, the NDDC has mobilized two civil engineering firms to reconstruct the road. This will help minimize the suffering and gridlock faced by commuters.”
He also commended the Federal Government for responding promptly to the distress cries of road users, expressing confidence that the reconstruction, to be supervised by the Federal Ministry of Works, would provide a lasting solution.
The NDDC boss urged local communities and commuters to be patient and cooperative during the construction period, assuring them that the repairs would be completed quickly. “We have mobilized two contractors to fast-track the work.
The NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Dr Victor Antai, said the NDDC and the Ministry of Works had agreed to work together on the intervention to ensure that any reconstruction conforms to the road’s original design.
He added that the Commission had scoped 15.4 kilometres between Benin, Ologbo Junction and Sapele, describing it as a strategic road section in the region and noting that the bad stretch had become unmotorable, causing gridlock, hardship and crippling the local economy.
He apologised to road users, especially truck drivers, who had been stuck at the bad spot for several days, assuring them that the NDDC would support the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Works.
In her goodwill message, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori Suenu, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, describing him as a President who listens to the cries of the people.
Ibori-Suenu commended the NDDC for its intervention in the road, noting that the road reconstruction would ensure free movement of goods and people from Delta to Edo, Bayelsa, and Rivers States.
