Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscopnews
The reconstruction of the long-neglected Benin–Sapele Road has triggered renewed economic activity and eased years of hardship for traders, transporters and residents along the Sapele Road axis in Benin City, with many stakeholders commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for prioritising the critical infrastructure.
For decades, the road—one of the most important commercial corridors connecting Benin City to surrounding communities—remained in a deplorable state, disrupting mobility, discouraging customers and raising the cost of doing business. The ongoing rehabilitation has restored confidence among business owners and residents who say the improvements are already delivering measurable benefits.
A commercial transporter, Mr. Amadi Great, described the intervention as transformative, recalling how the road’s condition previously made access nearly impossible.
“I cannot thank the governor enough. This place was completely inaccessible before now. Even past administrations could not pass here. Vehicles were often stuck, and people suffered. Today, we can move freely again,” he said.
Traders along the corridor report a direct link between the improved road and increased patronage. Mrs. Romary Obazee, a second-hand clothing dealer, noted that customers who previously avoided the area have begun to return.
“Before now, customers found it difficult to come here because the road was terrible. Today, vehicles move easily, and transporting goods is no longer a problem. Our sales have improved,” she said, while urging contractors to complete the remaining sections swiftly, particularly as the rainy season approaches.
In the same vein, Mr. Richard Erahbor, a battery and car accessories dealer, recalled how flooding often rendered the area inaccessible during rainfall.
“Whenever it rained, this place became impassable. Now the road is good and motorable. This government has truly kept its promise. Business is better because people can move freely,” he said.
Artisans and informal sector operators say the intervention has restored daily customer flow. A vulcanizer, Mr. Osaro Nosa, explained that the improved road has significantly increased income for traders operating along the route.
Residents also applauded the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and Governor Okpebholo for personally inspecting the project, describing the move as evidence of the administration’s commitment to quality delivery and prudent management of public funds.
Several failed portions of the road have already been rehabilitated, while reconstruction continues on other stretches. From Ring Road through Sapele Road to the bypass, the improved corridor has eased traffic congestion, enhanced road safety and revived commercial activities, offering renewed hope to businesses and residents.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the Benin–Sapele Road reconstruction aligns with the shared vision of President Tinubu and Governor Okpebholo to deploy infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, urban renewal and improved quality of life across Edo State.
As work progresses, residents remain optimistic that the project’s completion will further strengthen trade, reduce travel time and consolidate the road’s status as a vital economic artery in Benin City.
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