Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has issued an appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demanding the immediate rehabilitation of the Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road — a vital transport corridor now teetering on the brink of collapse.

In an open letter made public on Monday, NDYC President Comrade Bene Youkore Mamamu painted a grim picture of a region under siege by infrastructure decay.

The letter, distributed to journalists in Warri, details the catastrophic impact the road’s deterioration is having on businesses, trade, and public safety across the Niger Delta.

“The Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road is a disaster waiting to happen.

“Not only are trucks getting stuck, but we are also witnessing a rise in accidents as drivers navigate muddy, deep potholes filled with water and clay.

“This road is essential for our economy, and its neglect is costing us dearly.”

The NDYC’s appeal to President Tinubu underscores the strategic importance of the corridor, which serves as a lifeline for the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods, and petroleum products.

Yet, it has become increasingly impassable, disrupting supply chains and putting lives at risk.

Local businesses are reeling from the fallout. Frequent road closures and accidents involving tankers and cargo trucks have not only slowed commerce but also heightened the risk of fatal explosions — especially with fuel-laden vehicles forced to swerve through treacherous terrain.

In their letter, the youth council wrote:

“The current condition of these vital roadways is not only a hindrance to economic activities but also poses a grave risk to the lives of our people. The roads are riddled with potholes and other hazards… We are alarmed by the potential for catastrophic accidents, including explosions that could claim lives and devastate families.”

The NDYC is calling on the Federal Government to prioritise the reconstruction and maintenance of the Effurun-Sapele-Benin Road and the Benin-Sapele Expressway, citing the economic future of the region as being directly tied to their condition.

While the region continues to be a major contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, youth leaders argue that this should translate into better infrastructure investment and responsiveness from the central government.

The ball, they say, Is now firmly in President Tinubu’s court. (Nigerian Tribune)