South-South Gridlock: Businesses, Travellers Count Losses as Road Crisis Deepens
Manufacturers put losses above ₦500 billion as commuters spend over 24 hours in traffic, with Umahi expected to inspect the Benin-Asaba corridor.
A worsening gridlock along major roads in the South-South has disrupted economic activities, with the Benin-Sapele-Effurun and Benin-Asaba corridors among the worst affected.
The crisis has left thousands of commuters and truck operators stranded for days, disrupting the movement of raw materials, finished products, food and other essential commodities.
Manufacturers estimate that they have lost more than ₦500 billion due to factory closures, delayed supplies and damaged goods, while traders and distributors are also counting losses from perishable items trapped in traffic.
Travellers have faced journeys lasting more than 24 hours, forcing some commuters to abandon vehicles and trek or resort to commercial motorcycles.
In response, the Federal Government has announced plans to intervene. The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, is expected to visit the Benin-Asaba corridor to assess the situation, with palliative works also expected to commence.
However, stakeholders say urgent and lasting action is needed to restore the affected roads and prevent further disruption to businesses, transportation and the movement of goods across the region.
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