FG Moves To Fix Flood-Hit Benin-Sagamu Expressway
By TINA TOLUTOPE
THE Federal Government has launched an engineering assessment of flood-affected sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway following severe rainfall that disrupted movement on parts of the highway.
The inspection, led by the Federal Ministry of Works, focused on vulnerable locations around Ore in Ondo State. Officials said the exercise will guide immediate and long-term measures to prevent recurring flooding and improve road safety.
Minister of Works Engr. Dave Umahi identified three critical sections requiring intervention. They include Agofure at Kilometre 100, Adolak Junction near the Ore Flyover Bridge at Kilometre 107 and the Agric Section at Kilometre 117. Engineers are examining drainage systems and water channels to determine why the areas remain prone to flooding.
Representing the minister, Federal Controller of Works in Ondo State, Engr. Olajide Hussein, said technical teams are conducting hydraulic studies of culverts and drainage infrastructure. The ministry plans to identify the exact sources of overflow before implementing corrective measures.
Officials said proposed solutions include enlarging drainage structures, replacing undersized culverts and removing silt from blocked channels. The government believes these interventions will improve the highway’s ability to withstand heavier rainfall.
Umahi attributed the increasing frequency of flooding to the growing effects of climate change. He said extreme weather has placed additional pressure on road infrastructure across Nigeria, making adaptation and preventive engineering more important than ever.
He assured motorists that the ministry remains committed to restoring the affected sections and ensuring uninterrupted movement along the expressway. He added that the government will continue investing in resilient infrastructure capable of coping with changing weather conditions.
The ministry also sympathised with commuters and nearby communities affected by the flooding, promising that the ongoing assessment will lead to practical solutions that enhance safety and reduce future disruptions on the vital transport corridor.
