A five-day gridlock caused by deteriorating roads across the South-South has disrupted transportation, businesses and economic activities in the region, with the Benin-Sapele-Effurun Road among the worst affected.

Manufacturers said they had lost more than N500 billion due to factory shutdowns, trapped raw materials and damaged goods. Traders and distributors have also reported losses as perishable products remained stuck on the roads.

The gridlock has spread across Benin City and other parts of Edo State, while motorists using the Benin-Auchi and Benin-Agbor-Onitsha roads have also faced severe delays. Some travellers who previously spent six to 10 hours between the South-East and South-West now reportedly spend up to 24 hours on the road.

Two major interstate transport companies have suspended services along the Lagos-Warri route after buses remained stranded for days. GUO had reportedly raised its Lagos-Warri fare to N55,000 before suspending operations.

The Federal Government has announced plans to intervene, with the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, expected to visit the affected corridor and oversee palliative works.

Meanwhile, former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised the focus on new road projects, arguing that the government should prioritise the reconstruction and maintenance of existing highways.

The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise also warned that the crisis was threatening investment, food security, production and supply chains, as trucks carrying essential goods, including fuel and agricultural products, remained trapped.

Manufacturers and business leaders urged the government to urgently restore the affected roads, warning that prolonged inaction could worsen fuel shortages, food losses and business closures.