BENIN CITY, Nigeria — A civic technology organization monitoring public infrastructure projects, MonITNG, has raised serious concerns regarding early structural failure along the newly constructed Ekpoma–Esan West Local Government Area Expressway in Edo State.
The group directed an open appeal to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, calling for strict supervision and demanding immediate accountability from the supervising agencies and contractors handling the project.
Concerns Over Structural Defects and Oversight
According to the statement released by the civic group, key sections of the road network are already showing visible signs of deterioration just months after construction, even though the project has not yet been officially handed over to the authorities.
The platform warned that failing to address engineering defects before formal commissioning often leads to protracted bureaucratic delays once contractors vacate the site, leaving public funds wasted and local communities stranded with substandard infrastructure.
“Barely months after construction, parts of the Ekpoma–Esan West LGA Expressway are already showing signs of failure, even though the road has not yet been officially handed over,” the platform stated. “Governor Monday Okpebholo owes the people of Esan and Edo State an explanation. Who is supervising the project, and why are sections failing before completion?”
Civic advocates emphasized that proper execution requires strict adherence to engineering standards, including thorough soil testing, proper compaction of the sub-base, functional drainage channels, quality-certified asphalt, and rigorous enforcement of the legal Defects Liability Period before final acceptance.
Broader Context of Edo Infrastructure
The Ekpoma corridor forms a vital transport link within Edo Central, connecting major commercial hubs and federal transit routes across the state. The region has long struggled with severe gully erosion and infrastructure decay, making durable construction critical for local economic activity.
While the Edo State Government under Governor Monday Okpebholo has emphasized infrastructure expansion across the state’s three senatorial districts, community members and civil society organizations maintain that long-term durability must be prioritized over temporary fixes.
As of the time of reporting, the Edo State Ministry of Works and representatives for Governor Monday Okpebholo have not issued an official statement regarding the quality inspection or the status of the contractor handling the Ekpoma–Esan West Expressway project.
