Benin-Agbor Road: Minister Should Review Competence of Contractors — PANDEF Chairman

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called on the Minister of Works to critically review the competence and capacity of contractors handling major road projects across the South-South, particularly the Benin-Agbor Road, following persistent gridlock and the deplorable condition of critical sections of the route.

National Chairman of PANDEF, Amb. Godknows Igali, made the call during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he lamented the poor state of infrastructure in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Igali expressed concern that the Benin-Agbor Road, a major gateway linking the South-South with other parts of the country, has continued to subject motorists, commuters and businesses to severe hardship, with long hours of traffic congestion becoming a recurring experience.

According to the PANDEF chairman, the Federal Government must go beyond merely awarding road contracts and ensure that companies entrusted with such strategic projects possess the technical competence, equipment and financial capacity required to deliver quality work within reasonable timelines.

He urged the Works Minister to examine the performance of contractors handling the affected roads and take appropriate decisions where contractors are found to be incapable of meeting expected standards.

Igali maintained that the poor condition of major highways in the South-South is negatively affecting economic activities, interstate trade and the movement of people and goods, despite the region’s enormous contribution to Nigeria’s national economy.

PANDEF therefore called for greater urgency and accountability in the execution of federal road projects, insisting that critical infrastructure in the Niger Delta and wider South-South region must receive the attention necessary to end years of hardship and economic losses.

The forum stressed that competent contractors, effective supervision and timely funding remain essential to delivering durable road infrastructure and restoring confidence among road users across the region.