A Nigerian traveller has expressed frustration over the worsening condition of the Benin–Agbor Expressway, calling on the Federal Government and Edo State Government to urgently address the road and the severe traffic congestion it has caused.
The man's complaint, circulated in a video on social media, comes amid widespread concerns over the condition of the major highway linking Benin City in Edo State with Agbor and onward to Asaba in Delta State.
The corridor recently witnessed severe gridlock, with motorists and passengers reportedly spending several hours and in some cases days trapped in traffic as vehicles struggled to navigate failed and damaged portions of the road.
Reports from the route showed motorists facing deep potholes, muddy sections and severely degraded carriageways, with the situation disrupting the movement of people and goods along the important inter-state corridor.
In the video, the frustrated man questioned the authorities over the state of the road, expressing disbelief that such a major transportation route could deteriorate to the point where motorists were struggling to pass.
His complaint was directed at both the Federal Government and the Edo State Government, as he called for urgent action rather than allowing commuters and businesses to continue bearing the consequences of the deteriorating infrastructure.
The concern reflects broader complaints from residents, commercial drivers and other road users who have repeatedly demanded a lasting solution to the crisis.
Earlier reports showed travellers becoming stranded for prolonged periods, with some abandoning their vehicles and seeking alternative means of transportation while others attempted to navigate damaged sections of the road.
The condition of the Benin–Agbor Bypass recently triggered protests by residents and road users.
Videos from the protests showed motorists and other commuters expressing anger over the condition of the road and demanding immediate repairs.
Some protesters called on the government to fix the road, while others chanted for the authorities to provide a good road rather than financial assistance.
The crisis has also affected commercial activities, with the movement of goods and services along the corridor disrupted by the prolonged congestion.
The Federal Government has since moved to address the situation. Works Minister David Umahi inspected the affected sections of the Benin–Agbor Road in August alongside Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, National Assembly members and other stakeholders.
The inspection followed mounting complaints over the road's condition and the severe hardship experienced by motorists.
The Federal Government subsequently directed steps towards the redesign and reconstruction of affected sections, while the Presidency blamed the concessionaire handling the highway for failing to meet its obligations.
The NDDC, Federal Ministry of Works and Edo State Government have also commenced an intervention aimed at addressing deteriorated sections of major highways connecting Edo and Delta states.
According to the NDDC, the intervention followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after concerns over the worsening condition of the roads and their impact on commuters, businesses and local communities.
Although the worst of the gridlock has eased following remedial works, the underlying road problem has not completely disappeared.
Channels Television reported on September 2 that traffic had improved after remedial works commenced, but several failed portions remained, leaving motorists to contend with uneven and degraded sections.
The report also noted that vehicles travelling over unpaved portions were generating significant dust, affecting visibility and creating additional concerns for motorists and residents living along the route.
Road users have therefore continued to call for permanent reconstruction rather than temporary interventions.
For commuters, the latest complaint is another reminder that the Benin–Agbor corridor remains a critical transportation route whose continued deterioration carries consequences far beyond traffic delays.
As government agencies and contractors work to restore the highway, motorists and residents are demanding that the intervention result in a durable road capable of supporting the heavy traffic and commercial activity that pass through the corridor daily.


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