Benin- Asaba Road Construction Gains Momentum as Youths Step In to Ease Traffic

…We must clear construction corridors of obstructions and street trading — Osemwigie

From Chris Akhabue 

Construction work on the Benin–Asaba Expressway has recorded significant progress following the voluntary intervention of youths from Ikpoba Hill who stepped in to decongest traffic and protect the construction corridor from obstruction.

Chairman of the Ikpoba Hill Youths Forum, Comrade Kingsley Osemwigie, identified unsafe and unconventional driving habits by bus drivers and other road users as one of the major challenges slowing down work on the road.

Osemwigie made this known on Tuesday while speaking with journalists at the construction site, where he was personally supervising traffic control efforts coordinated by youths in the area.

According to him, reckless driving, including driving against traffic, has been a major cause of gridlock and interference with construction activities.

“Bus drivers and other road users often drive against traffic, causing gridlock and obstructing the construction work. This situation compelled us to come out voluntarily to help control traffic so that the work can continue unhindered,” he said.

He explained that the initiative, which began on Monday, was a demonstration of civic responsibility and has already yielded positive results.

“Since we started this voluntary exercise, we have seen the value it has added. The traffic flow is heavy, and without this intervention, there would have been chaotic manoeuvring by drivers. But now, traffic is moving smoothly and construction is progressing without interference,” Osemwigie stated.

He added that youths had been strategically positioned along the road corridor to manage vehicular movement and ensure a safe working environment for engineers.

Osemwigie further disclosed that after engaging the road concessionaires, it became clear that persistent obstruction by motorists was a major factor affecting the pace of work.

“We were not satisfied with the pace of work initially. After discussions with the concessionaires, we discovered that drivers moving through work areas were seriously hindering progress. That was why we decided to intervene and give the engineers the breathing space they need,” he said.

Beyond traffic control, the youth group has also been engaging truck drivers and business operators to address other forms of obstruction.

“We have appealed to truck drivers to stop parking along construction corridors. We have also spoken with Guinness Warehouse and other companies whose trucks contribute to congestion along this road,” he noted.

Street trading was also identified as a challenge, prompting appeals to traders at Amufi, Jehovah Junction, and RCC Junction to move their wares away from the road.

Meanwhile, several motorists and traders commended the intervention. A commercial bus driver who plies the route daily admitted that unsafe driving had worsened congestion.

“The road is narrow and everyone is struggling to pass. Without these traffic controllers, the road would have been completely blocked,” he said.

Mrs Mercy Eboigbe, a roadside trader who sells used shoes, acknowledged that traders often displayed goods too close to the road.

“It is true some traders display their wares on the road. But today, we have been directed on where to sell, and customers can still see our goods. We thank the government for fixing the road,” she said.

Another trader, Felicia Pius, expressed joy at the visible transformation of the road.

“We have moved away from the road as instructed. See how beautiful the road is now — it looks like a Lagos road. We thank the government,” she said excitedly.

Responding, the Head, Corporate Communication, Dr Jerry Adeyeri observed that the traffic issues observed along the section of the Benin- Asaba Road corridor are occasioned by unsafe driving behavior of motorists.

" Traffic congestion observed along sections of the Benin–Asaba corridor is largely influenced by unsafe driving behaviours by some motorists, including driving against traffic and non-compliance with traffic management directives, particularly around active work zones.

" We acknowledge the efforts of community groups, including the Ikpoba Hill youths, and confirm that BAECC is actively working with them, providing necessary support, tools, and logistics to ensure a coordinated approach to traffic management. While the community youths continue to safeguard their environment, we are complementing these efforts to ensure the corridor remains safe, orderly, and environmentally responsible during construction.

" We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all stakeholders as we collectively work to improve safety and traffic flow along the corridor.