In a resolute stance on infrastructure preservation and public safety, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has emphasized his administration's dedication to enhancing road safety measures rather than imposing harsh sanctions on heavy-duty vehicle operators. This position comes in response to a series of accidents involving articulated trucks along the newly completed Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway, particularly near the Ubu Bridge in Ogwashi-Uku.
The governor's approach was highlighted in a recent statement by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, who outlined the government's proactive strategy to tackle the growing concern of crashes on this vital corridor.
Commissioner Izeze explained that the Oborevwori-led administration is focused on promoting voluntary compliance and preventive actions, avoiding measures that might disrupt the seamless flow of commerce across the region. "The government's interventions will center on rigorous enforcement of existing traffic laws, better speed management systems, and thorough operational inspections for articulated trucks using this route," he stated.
This safety-first philosophy aligns with broader global standards that encourage economic activity while safeguarding lives. By opting for education, enforcement, and engineering solutions over blanket restrictions, the state aims to balance the needs of transporters with the protection of road users and infrastructure.
The commissioner issued an open call for collaboration, urging road safety professionals, engineers, experts, and everyday citizens to contribute innovative ideas voluntarily. "We are seeking genuine, altruistic recommendations that can help us achieve a zero-accident record on this stretch. This is not a call for paid consultancy but for community-driven solutions to protect lives and maintain our world-class road assets," Izeze emphasized.
The urgency of these measures stems from a troubling pattern of incidents since the road's completion. The most recent crash occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, near the Ubu Bridge. This marked the 17th recorded accident involving articulated trucks on the Ogwashi-Uku to Asaba section.
The Ubu Bridge area features impeccably smooth asphalt and an advanced drainage network engineered to handle water runoff from the hilly terrain of Ogwashi-Uku, directing it efficiently into the Ubu River. Despite these modern features, the location has become a hotspot for mishaps.
Eyewitnesses described how the truck suddenly lost control on the bridge approach, veering off course and tilting dangerously, which partially blocked the dual carriageway. Miraculously, there were no fatalities or injuries reported in this particular event.
The driver involved cited a mechanical fault—specifically, the gear selector failing to downshift properly—as the cause. He downplayed any role of driver fatigue, even referring to the incident as "fate." However, such explanations have failed to quell widespread anxiety, especially given the repetition of similar crashes in the same vicinity.
Despite prior installations of prominent warning signs, speed limit indicators, and advisory notices on both sides of the bridge—installed months earlier under direct orders from Governor Oborevwori—many heavy vehicle drivers appear to flout these regulations routinely.
"The governor has always insisted that we refrain from policies that could hinder the unrestricted movement of goods and people, in keeping with international best practices," Commissioner Izeze noted. "Instead, we are doubling down on fostering better driver behavior, adherence to rules, and comprehensive safety protocols, without resorting to prohibitive bans on heavy vehicles."
The Ughelli–Asaba dual carriageway has rapidly become one of the most critical transportation arteries in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone. It serves as a primary conduit for articulated trucks hauling cargo from northern, eastern, and southwestern parts of the country, passing through Asaba and Ughelli en route to key destinations like Warri, Yenagoa, Port Harcourt, Uyo in Akwa Ibom, and Calabar in Cross River State.
This high-volume traffic underscores the road's economic significance, facilitating trade and connectivity. The project itself has garnered widespread praise for its high-quality construction, aesthetic appeal, and role in boosting inter-regional commerce.
The Ubu Bridge, a standout feature of the carriageway, represents a major engineering achievement, replacing what was once a problematic and hazardous crossing that plagued motorists for years.
Yet, the recurring accidents involving large trucks highlight ongoing challenges common to many Nigerian highways, where mechanical issues, overloading, speeding on descents, and inadequate maintenance contribute to tragedies.
Local residents and motorists, while expressing frustration over the crashes, have largely commended Governor Oborevwori's overall infrastructure agenda. They point to the transformed roadway as evidence of a governance style centered on tangible development and public welfare.
As authorities continue probing the December 30 incident, there is a growing consensus among stakeholders for intensified actions: stricter policing of traffic rules, mandatory training and certification for heavy vehicle drivers, regular vehicle fitness checks, and widespread campaigns to raise awareness about safe driving practices on hilly or newly paved sections.
The Oborevwori administration's balanced strategy—prioritizing safety enhancements while supporting economic vitality—offers a model for addressing similar issues on major highways nationwide. By inviting public input and committing to non-punitive yet effective interventions, Delta State is working toward ensuring that the benefits of its impressive road network are enjoyed safely and sustainably for generations to come.
