Edo State announces repairs for Oluku–Lagos Road

The Edo State Government has directed officials to assess and recommend repairs for damaged sections of the Oluku–Lagos Road and other deteriorating routes within the state. John Obanor, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, announced the intervention in Benin City, noting that the move aims to improve travel conditions and mitigate dangers to motorists.

The decision follows a recent accident involving a petroleum tanker that overturned while navigating a damaged stretch of the Oluku–Lagos Road. The resulting spill and fire destroyed several shops and caused injuries to multiple individuals.

Obanor attributed the rapid deterioration of the road network to heavy freight traffic, specifically the high volume of overloaded articulated vehicles utilizing Edo State as a strategic transit corridor. He noted that the lack of effective rail haulage services has increased the pressure on these roads.

Additionally, the Ministry of Works has emphasized strict contractual enforcement. Contractors are required to correct any defects discovered before project acceptance at their own expense. The ministry has also requested updated work programmes from construction firms to better monitor progress and ensure project durability.