The Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC) has made a passionate plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging immediate intervention to repair the Warri-Sapele-Benin Highway — a critical transport corridor now described as a “death trap” and a major cause of economic setbacks in the South-South region.

In an open letter signed by NDYC leader Bene Mamamu and made available to the press on Sunday in Warri, Delta State, the group painted a grim picture of the road’s current state — highlighting daily truck accidents, toppled goods, and a sharp decline in local commerce due to the road’s impassability.

Why the Warri-Sapele-Benin Road Matters

The Warri-Sapele-Benin route is not just another federal highway. It is a vital artery for trade and logistics, linking the Niger Delta to other parts of Nigeria and serving as a lifeline for the movement of:

• Agricultural produce

• Manufactured goods

• Petroleum products

• Industrial equipment

• Essential commodities

It also connects key commercial cities in Delta, Edo, and beyond — making it indispensable for economic development and national cohesion.

Yet, the NDYC warns that the road is now in such disrepair that it threatens to completely sever this economic lifeline.

Daily Tragedies on the Highway

In the NDYC’s words:

“The daily sight of trucks toppling over on failed portions of the road is a stark reminder of the urgent need for intervention. We are alarmed by the potential for catastrophic accidents, including explosions that could claim lives and devastate families.”

Drivers navigating through this once-proud road now face treacherous conditions — mud-filled potholes, collapsed sections, and eroded shoulders — especially during rainy seasons. According to NDYC, these conditions have crippled supply chains, raised transport costs, and caused tragic, avoidable accidents.

Local Businesses Are Suffering

Small and medium businesses that depend on the road for deliveries and supply operations are reportedly shutting down or incurring heavy losses. Traders and logistics operators now avoid the route altogether, redirecting traffic to longer, costlier paths.

“While this road is highly essential for our economy, its neglect is costing us dearly. Currently, the road is a disaster waiting to happen,” the NDYC emphasised.

This disruption is taking a toll on:

• Farmers trying to get produce to markets

• Transport companies handling petroleum and raw materials

• Retailers and wholesalers whose goods are delayed or destroyed

• Local residents, now cut off from key services

A Plea to the President: ‘Don’t Let This Become a National Tragedy’

The youth group appealed directly to President Tinubu to personally intervene and direct the Ministry of Works and relevant federal agencies to fast-track the rehabilitation of the Warri-Sapele-Benin Road.

“Mr. President, this is not just a road; it is an economic artery. Its collapse is bleeding our region,” Mamamu said.

They warned that continued delays could result in further:

• Loss of life due to fuel tanker explosions and heavy-duty vehicle crashes

• Environmental damage from stuck vehicles leaking petroleum

• Escalating security threats, as bandits exploit stranded vehicles and isolated areas

Conclusion: Will the Renewed Hope Agenda Reach the South-South?

As the Federal Government rolls out its Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, the Niger Delta Youth Council has made it clear that hope must not skip over the Niger Delta. They demand that national development begin with fixing broken essentials — not just launching new mega projects.

The Warri-Sapele-Benin Road, they argue, is not a luxury but a necessity. Fixing it isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about lives, livelihoods, and economic justice.