Delta Central Senator Ede Dafinone, has described the emergency rehabilitation of failed sections of the Benin-Sapele-Effurun Expressway as proof that quiet, persistent engagement can deliver results, after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) flagged off work on the critical road corridor in Sapele, Delta State.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Amukpe Roundabout, where representatives of the Delta State Government, the NDDC leadership, and other stakeholders gathered to launch the intervention aimed at easing the hardship faced by motorists, commuters, businesses and communities along the route.
Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, said the development reflected the outcome of sustained pressure and constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities. He said the road, which links key parts of the Niger Delta region, had become a major source of concern due to its deteriorating condition and the hardship it had caused road users.
According to him, the intervention shows that government agencies and political leaders can achieve meaningful progress when they work together. He said the NDDC’s swift response, following an inspection of the affected stretch earlier in the week, demonstrated what is possible when there is genuine commitment to urgent infrastructure needs.
The senator particularly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NDDC management and the Delta State Government for responding to the cries of the people. He said the rehabilitation was evidence that sustained engagement with the Federal Government and its agencies was yielding tangible results.
Dafinone said the project covers about 15 kilometres of the worst-hit sections of the road, especially the Ajomata/Ibada–Elume–Amukpe–Oghara axis. He added that the work was being planned comprehensively, with contractors expected to begin from both ends of the corridor to ensure no section is neglected.
He said his concern was not about who takes credit for the intervention, but that the road is fixed and the people begin to enjoy relief. He also pledged to continue pushing for attention to other failed federal roads across Delta Central.
The senator expressed hope that the rehabilitation would be completed on schedule and ultimately restore improved connectivity, smoother movement and economic relief to the people of the area.