Severe Traffic Gridlock Hits Benin–Lagos Highway

Motorists traveling along the Benin–Lagos highway are experiencing significant traffic gridlock, particularly around the Ovia River Bridge, where delays have reached up to seven hours. Drivers, except for heavy-duty vehicles, have been forced to turn back at Okada Junction and divert via the Iguobazuwa old road to reach Benin City.

The uneven road surface approaching the bridge has contributed to numerous accidents. Edo State Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabu, visited the site alongside officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, including Comptroller Babatunde Tajudeen, to assess the situation.

Tajudeen noted that while the bridge itself is structurally sound, the presence of potholes and the behavior of drivers, especially heavy-duty truck operators, are major challenges. Repair work is already underway, and plans to introduce speed control measures are in place.

The situation has been exacerbated by trucks occupying the side roads, leading to increased fuel consumption for detours.