Remember that childhood game of “Snakes and Ladders”? Sadly, the Sagamu-Benin Expressway in Ogun State feels more like a perpetual descent down a rickety, pothole-ridden chute than a smooth climb toward progress. On a recent trip to Epe, I had to pass through this expressway, and it was a horrifying experience. The state of the road, coupled with the terrible traffic, made it a journey I wouldn’t wish to undertake again any time soon. This critical artery, connecting the economic powerhouse of Lagos to the heart of the South-South region, has become a motorist’s nightmare, a national embarrassment, and a public health hazard.

Once a lifeline for trade and transportation, the expressway now serves as a grim reminder of infrastructure neglect. The stretch passing through Ogun State is in a state of disrepair, riddled with potholes, traffic bottlenecks, and sections that are practically impassable during the rainy season. Despite its vital importance to Nigeria’s economy, efforts to repair this road have been sluggish at best. The result? An unacceptable loss of lives and livelihoods as Nigerians are forced to navigate what has essentially become a death trap.

Ogun East Senatorial District: Leadership and Accountability

The portion of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway running through Ogun State lies within the Ogun East Senatorial District, represented by Senator Gbenga Daniel (OGD) in the 10th National Assembly. Senator Daniel, (incidentally a former two term governor of Ogun State), who began his tenure in 2023, has a critical role in ensuring that federal resources are allocated to address the ongoing issues on this essential highway.

In the House of Representatives, the section of the expressway is covered by the Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency, represented by Rep. Joseph Folorunsho Adegbesan and also Remo Federal Constituency, Rep. Adewumi Onanuga (Ijaya). Both Senator Gbenga Daniel, Rep. Adegbesan and Rep Onanuga must work together with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to push for more immediate and impactful repairs on this road. The responsibility lies with them to ensure that the funds allocated for the repairs are fully utilized and that the contractors deliver a road that is both durable and safe for commuters passing through their constituency and legislative jurisdiction.

Billions Allocated, But What’s the Impact?

Over the past several years, the federal government has made budgetary allocations aimed at fixing the Sagamu-Benin Expressway, which is part of Nigeria’s broader road rehabilitation projects. However, there have been ongoing challenges in the implementation and execution of repairs. For instance, work on key sections has been sporadic, with recent reports indicating that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) resumed patching and maintenance in mid-2023.

Despite these efforts, road users are yet to see the substantial improvements needed to make this road safe again. The problem lies not only in funding but also in project execution. Many repair efforts have been superficial, offering temporary fixes rather than long-lasting solutions. Issues such as poor drainage and frequent flooding further deteriorate the road, undoing much of the patchwork shortly after it is completed.

The Grim Reality: Accidents and Fatalities

The Sagamu-Benin Expressway has unfortunately been the site of numerous tragic accidents. In early 2023, eight people were killed and 22 others were injured in separate crashes along the expressway. More recently, in December 2023, another tragic accident claimed two lives, with seven others injured. The accidents are often attributed to the poor state of the road, excessive speeding, and road obstructions.

With these figures representing only a small sample of the total accidents that occur annually, it’s clear that the current condition of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway is both a safety hazard and a public health crisis. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has continued to urge caution for motorists, but the need for an urgent, comprehensive overhaul of the road infrastructure is paramount.

Traffic Volume: A Road Vital to Nigeria’s Economy

An estimated 50,000 vehicles ply the Sagamu-Benin Expressway daily, with nearly 18 million vehicles using it annually. This includes heavy-duty trucks transporting goods, passenger buses, and private vehicles, making the expressway one of the busiest in Nigeria. Its strategic importance for commerce and trade cannot be overstated, as it connects key economic regions and facilitates the movement of goods and people between Lagos and the southeastern parts of the country.

The frequent delays caused by the poor road conditions significantly affect businesses, increase the cost of goods, and strain the nation’s economy. The need for a fully functional and safe expressway is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of economic survival.

A Call for Collaboration: Time for Action

It is imperative that Senator Gbenga Daniel, Rep. Joseph Adegbesan, Rep Adewumi Onanuga and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing take immediate action to ensure the repair and rehabilitation of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. This collaboration must go beyond budget allocations; it requires strict oversight, accountability, and swift execution of projects to ensure the expressway is made safe for all who use it.

Temporary fixes and delayed action are no longer acceptable. The lives of Nigerians, the health of the nation’s economy, and the safety of its roads are all at stake.

Conclusion: Ogun Deserves Better

The current state of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway is unacceptable. Ogun State and the countless Nigerians who rely on this road deserve better. The time for excuses is over; it is now time for elected officials and federal agencies to deliver on their promises and take meaningful action to restore this critical highway.

Let this be a wake-up call to all those in power: the people of Ogun State and Nigeria cannot afford any more delays, and the nation cannot continue to lose lives and resources to avoidable road hazards. The time for action is now.