The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced the reconstruction of 15.4 kilometres of failed sections of the Benin-Sapele Expressway, barely two days after announcing its intervention in the critical road corridor.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, disclosed this on Friday while speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Amukpe Roundabout in Delta State.
Ogbuku said he accompanied the Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, the Executive Director, Projects, and other directors of the Commission to the ceremony, where Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, officially flagged off the reconstruction.
He said the intervention was in compliance with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to urgently tackle critical infrastructure challenges affecting communities and road users across the Niger Delta.
According to him, the NDDC has mobilised two construction firms, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Ronan and Flann Limited, to execute the project.
Ogbuku explained that the contractors would use a rigid pavement design aimed at delivering a durable and resilient road capable of withstanding the heavy traffic and environmental challenges along the corridor.
“Barely two days after I announced in Benin City, Edo State, that the Niger Delta Development Commission would intervene in the failed portions of the Benin-Sapele axis of the Benin-Asaba/Sapele Road, the Commission has commenced work,” he said.
He disclosed that the NDDC had scoped approximately 15.4 kilometres, covering the stretch from Benin through Ologbo Junction to Sapele.
The NDDC boss said the project underscored the Commission’s commitment to translating presidential directives into tangible development outcomes for the people of the Niger Delta.
“We will continue to work with the Federal Government, state governments and other critical stakeholders to address infrastructure deficits and deliver projects that improve connectivity, stimulate economic activity and enhance the quality of life of our people,” he said.
Representing Governor Oborevwori at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Works and Public Communication, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, commended the NDDC for its intervention and partnership with the governments of the nine Niger Delta states.
Also present at the ceremony were the Edo State representative on the NDDC Governing Board, Hon. Patrick Aisowieren; Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone; and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu.
The reconstruction is expected to ease the difficulties faced by motorists and commuters on the strategic road linking communities and major commercial centres in Edo and Delta states.If you want, I can also give it a more punchy National Point-style version, with a harder headline and a more dramatic lead.
