The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) on Friday, August 28, 2026, flagged off the reconstruction of the 15.4-kilometre Benin–Sapele Expressway in Sapele, Delta State, in a major infrastructure intervention aimed at improving transportation, strengthening economic activities and easing the hardship faced by motorists and commuters along the corridor.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Amukpe Roundabout on Sapele Road, marked the commencement of work on the critical economic corridor, which has suffered prolonged deterioration, resulting in persistent traffic congestion, increased travel time and difficulties for road users, traders and businesses operating along the axis.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC, Sir Victor Etim Antai, Ph.D., said the intervention was designed to improve connectivity and create an enabling environment for economic activities across the Niger Delta.
Antai said the Benin–Sapele Expressway remained an important transportation route, stressing that its poor condition had, over the years, imposed significant hardship on commuters and businesses operating along the corridor.
He disclosed that the reconstruction project would be executed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Ronan & Flann Limited, using a rigid pavement design intended to provide a strong, durable and resilient road capable of withstanding heavy traffic and other stresses associated with the corridor.
The project, he explained, is being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works in accordance with the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the intervention demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to addressing critical infrastructure deficits in the Niger Delta and delivering projects with direct and lasting benefits to the people.
Upon completion, the reconstructed road is expected to ease the persistent gridlock along the corridor, reduce travel time, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and stimulate economic activities across communities connected to the route.
The NDDC Projects Director called on the contractors, host communities, motorists and other stakeholders to support the successful and timely execution of the project.
He assured that the Commission would closely monitor the work to ensure compliance with required engineering and construction standards.
Antai described the flag-off as more than the commencement of another road project, saying the intervention was designed to open pathways for economic growth, restore connectivity and ease the burden on the people of the Niger Delta.
«“We are opening pathways to economic growth. We are restoring connectivity. We are easing the burden on our people. And we are building a more prosperous Niger Delta,” he said.»
The reconstruction of the 15.4-kilometre Benin–Sapele Expressway is expected to further complement ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and the NDDC to improve critical infrastructure and promote sustainable socio-economic development across the Niger Delta region.
