Benin-Asaba Road: A Lifeline in Ruins, Commuters Cry Out in Pain

The Benin-Asaba highway, a critical transport corridor linking Edo and Delta States, has become a nightmare for motorists and businesses.

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Once a major artery for trade, travel, and inter-state commerce, the road now lies in disrepair, riddled with potholes, flooding, and erosion that leave commuters stranded for hours.

Residents and drivers describe the route as a “death trap”, with social media filled with viral posts showing stranded vehicles and frustrated travelers lamenting the neglect.

Daily Struggles on the Highway

When RoadKing.ng correspondents visited sections of the road, the scene was grim:

• Trucks stuck in mud-filled gullies.
• Cars navigating on makeshift paths created by desperate locals.
• Traders stranded as goods spoiled in traffic jams stretching for kilometers.

“This is not just bad; it’s wickedness,” one driver, Mr. Osazee, told us.

“We spend hours on a road that should take minutes. Many vehicles break down daily, and passengers are robbed in the gridlock at night.”

Impact on Economy and Lives

The Benin-Asaba highway isn’t just a road, it’s a lifeline for businesses. Every day, thousands of commuters, traders, and transport operators depend on it. Its collapse has meant:

• Rising transport fares as drivers charge more for wear-and-tear repairs.
• Loss of goods as perishable items rot in endless traffic jams.
• Insecurity as armed robbers exploit stranded vehicles at night.

The Dangote refinery supply chain, agricultural traders from Delta, and inter-state transport buses have all reported major losses tied to the condition of this road.

Why Is the Road So Bad?

Experts cite three major reasons:

1. Poor Drainage: Heavy rains turn sections into swamps.
2. Overloaded Trucks: The highway was never reinforced to handle such weight.
3. Delayed Government Intervention: Multiple contracts have been awarded, but implementation remains slow.

Road Safety Data

According to the FRSC 2024 mid-year crash report, the Benin-Asaba corridor recorded over 120 crashes in six months, many tied to bad road sections and reckless overtaking.

Conclusion

The Benin-Asaba highway stands as a stark reminder of Nigeria’s road crisis: vital arteries collapsing under neglect, leaving citizens to suffer. Until urgent rehabilitation begins, commuters will continue to pay with their wallets, health, and sometimes their lives.