A prominent socio-cultural group, the Southern Solidarity Alliance (SSA), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in what it describes as the “nightmarish” condition of the Asaba end of the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
In an open letter dated July 22 and signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Ndubuisi Okafor, and Deputy National Secretary, Ms. Success Ikpasa, the SSA expressed concern over the continued deterioration of the federal road, which connects key regions in Southern Nigeria.
“We wish to draw the kind and respected attention of Mr. President to the dilapidated state of the Asaba end of the Benin-Asaba Expressway,” the letter stated. “Current reports from our people are that the ongoing efforts look more like a palliative than a well-needed thorough rehabilitation.”
Describing the road as a “key facilitator of commerce” between the South West, South East, and South South zones, the SSA criticized the perceived neglect and substandard interventions on the critical route.
“It is very embarrassing for the road to be in such a state, especially given the infrastructural interventions your administration has championed. This road deserves not just attention but proper reconstruction and consistent maintenance,” the group said.
The group also took issue with remarks reportedly made by Mr. Uche Orji, an aide to the Minister of Works, as quoted in The Punch newspaper of June 18. According to SSA, Mr. Orji dismissed concerns raised in a prior open letter regarding the use of allegedly substandard materials—specifically 8mm rods—on the Benin Bypass and Nnewi-Okigwe roads.
“It is disrespectful and insulting for Mr. Orji to refer to the Southern Solidarity Alliance as ‘paid jobbers’ instead of addressing the core of our concerns. His defense of such inferior specifications raises troubling questions about possible pre-knowledge or collusion,” SSA noted.
The group has called for an independent verification of the construction materials being used on the roads, urging that qualified Nigerian engineering bodies and independent professionals be engaged to assess the validity of its claims.
“We have never seen where 8mm or lower specifications of rods are used for matting concrete pavement on federal highways. Lagos State uses 12mm and 16mm rods for its local roads. It is alarming that less is defended for a major federal route.”
The SSA emphasized that it is a patriotic pan-Southern organisation and not involved in “frivolities,” but rather committed to defending the welfare and infrastructure of Southern Nigeria.
The letter concluded with a passionate plea to President Tinubu:
“Kindly use your good offices to ensure that proper things are done and compel thorough rehabilitation of the Asaba end of the Benin-Asaba Expressway—and indeed all major roads across Southern Nigeria.”
Photos and video evidence of the road’s condition were reportedly attached to the letter submitted to the Presidency.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the Presidency or the Ministry of Works regarding the issues raised by SSA.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh