NURTW Chairman Links Surge in Crime to Poor Road Network, Urges Federal Government to Fix Critical Highways
NURTW Chairman Links Surge in Crime to Poor Road Network, Urges Federal Government to Fix Critical Highways
The Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Mr. Francis Arhiyor, has linked the recent surge in robbery and kidnapping incidents across the country to the poor state of the road network. He explained that criminal elements exploit the deteriorated highways to carry out their criminal activities.
“The reality is that if the roads were in good condition, incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping would decrease significantly. These criminal groups take advantage of the bad spots on our roads to carry out their heinous acts,” Arhiyor stated.
He called on the Federal Government to urgently address the security challenges by repairing the failing East-West highway in the Niger Delta region without delay.
The NURTW leader also commended Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for initiating the reconstruction of the deteriorated Warri–Sapele–Benin road. “When roads are in good shape and vehicles are in motion, it’s harder for attackers to jump in front of moving vehicles,” he said.
Describing the governor’s intervention as “a positive development,” Arhiyor emphasized that the reconstruction would bring relief to motorists and commuters along the axis. “Our members are the main beneficiaries of this project. For a long time, our drivers have endured harrowing experiences on these bad roads, which have caused many vehicles to break down, incurring high maintenance costs,” he explained.
He further urged the Federal Government to prioritize fixing the most degraded sections of the East-West highway, especially the Benin By-Pass en route to Lagos, the Benin to Akwa Ibom stretch, and the Warri-Port Harcourt corridor.
“We strongly appeal to the Federal Government to act swiftly and ensure the reconstruction of these roads without further delay,” Arhiyor insisted.
Governor Oborevwori, during the flag-off ceremony of the Warri–Sapele–Benin road reconstruction, highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments. “Development accelerates when governments work together in the interest of the people,” he said.
He also noted that although the road is a federal route, it primarily benefits Delta residents and Nigerians, and their safety and convenience remain a top priority. The governor described the road as a vital national infrastructure connecting key cities across the South-South region and providing access to Edo and other parts of Nigeria.
