Dave Umahi, Nigeria’s “Media Minister” Of Works, Should Shift Attention To Deteriorating Lagos-Benin-Asaba Road—Mike Nliam

Dave Umahi,

OpenLife Nigeria reports that the Chief Executive Officer of Flavour Lab Entertainment Ltd, Mike Nliam, has advised the Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, to shift attention to the deteriorating Lagos-Benin-Asaba Road and commence repairs to avoid economic waste.

The University of Ilorin graduate and celebrated filmmaker noted that damaged road surface and potholes can cause damage to vehicles and increase the chance of traffic accidents, which can ultimately endanger lives.

Mike Nliam added that such dysfunctional state of road can impede efficient transportation and hinder economic development, emphasizing that good road network is the lifeblood of commerce and industrial engagements.

Recalling his recent experience of hellish proportion on the Lagos-Benin-Asaba Road, Nliam stated that the “Shagamu to Ore is a total disaster.”

His reflection and overview on the state of Nigerian roads are reproduced below unedited

The road from Shagamu to Ore is a total disaster. From Ore to the Benin Bypass things get a bit smoother, except for that horrible stretch around Omotosho in Ondo State . But once you hit the Benin Bypass leading to the Benin–Asaba highway? Pure hell.

That Benin–Asaba expressway is almost completely gone. Imagine — a road built back in Tony Anenih’s time under Obasanjo is now like 90% useless.

If you’re driving from Lagos to Onitsha, let me just save you the suspense: the only “good” parts are Lagos-Ibadan expressway to the Shagamu By Pass connects d Shagamu–Benin Expressway, and then from Ore to the beginning of the Benin Bypass. Everything else will test your patience, your car, and your faith.

Honestly, someone needs to tell David Umahi — our “media minister” of works — that press briefings and TV interviews won’t fix these roads. The trillions budgeted for federal highways need to actually show on the ground. Driving shouldn’t feel like punishment, but right now, that’s exactly what it is!