Benin City Ring Road

Benin City Ring Road also referred to as Kings Square or Oba Ovonramwen Square is a circular road in Benin City, the capital of Edo State, Nigeria. It spans approximately 25 kilometers and has been a vital component of the city's transportation network since its establishment in 1976.[1][2]

Benin City Ring Road
Areal view of the ancient city of Benin.jpg
Route information
Length25 km (16 mi)
Existed1976–present
Major junctions
Clockwise end A2 – New Lagos Road
Counterclockwise end A3 – Benin–Sapele Road
Location
CountryNigeria
Highway system

History

The history of the Benin City Ring Road is closely tied to the city's urban development and transportation network.[3][2]

In the 1970s, as Benin City grew rapidly, addressing traffic congestion became a priority. The concept of the Benin City Ring Road emerged as a solution.[4][2]

The road network in Benin City is often compared to a spider web, radiating from the Oba palace at Kingsquare. Some of the world's longest straight roads connect to the city center from destinations like Abeokuta, Warri, Okene, and Onitsha.[5]

The Benin City Ring Road, one of the world's largest roundabouts, serves as the nexus connecting Benin City to other parts of Nigeria. Originally an open space, it now links major roads leading into the city.[6][2]

All major roads leading into the city converge in front of the Oba palace and are interconnected by circular roads, including 1st, 2nd, 3rd East Circular roads, and West Circular roads.[7][2] Some of these circular roads are among the world's longest.

View of the Benin City Ring Road
View of the Benin City Ring Road

The Ring Road is a commercial hub and central traffic intersection for major arteries such as Akpakpava, Airport road, Sapele road, and Forestry, extending into adjoining districts. In the pre-1897 era, the Ring Road Island was part of the Royal Palace and, at one point, hosted a British fort and barracks.[8][2]

Today, the Ring Road has been restored to its former glory and serves as the epicenter of Benin's spiritual, cultural, commercial, and political life. It is a hub for various activities, and the perimeter fence is known for displaying civic announcements.[9]

Route and features
A section of Benin City Ring Road
Section–from the left– of Benin City Ring Road

Benin City Ring Road encircles the city center, providing a convenient bypass for travelers seeking to navigate around the central district.[10] It connects major thoroughfares, including A2 – New Lagos Road and A3 – Benin–Sapele Road, ensuring easy access to residential neighborhoods and commercial areas while avoiding congestion in the city center.[11]

Notable landmarks along the route include Oba Market, a historic and bustling trading hub, and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, an essential healthcare institution serving both residents and the surrounding regions.[12] Additionally, the Ring Road Market thrives as a commercial center, benefiting from the road's strategic location.[13]

Significance

The Benin City Ring Road plays a crucial role in the city's infrastructure by effectively reducing congestion within the city center.[14] This optimization of traffic flow contributes to a more accessible urban environment and supports economic activity by facilitating the movement of goods and services.[2] The road's influence also extends to property values in nearby areas, reflecting its impact on urban development.[15]

References
  1. The National Bibliography of Nigeria. National Library of Nigeria. 1988.
  2. Koutonin, Mawuna (2016-03-18). "Story of cities #5: Benin City, the mighty medieval capital now lost without trace". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  3. Benin, University of (1993). Master Plan: University of Benin. University of Benin. ISBN 978-978-2027-24-5.
  4. "WANT TO SEE GANDUJE? GO TO BENIN - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  5. Voigt, Christian C.; Kingston, Tigga (2015-12-07). Bats in the Anthropocene: Conservation of Bats in a Changing World. Springer. ISBN 978-3-319-25220-9.
  6. Ngwu, Sylvester (13 July 2020). "If You Want To See Ganduje, Go To Benin". AllNews Nigeria. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  7. State (Nigeria), Mid-western (1975). Gazette. Government Printer.
  8. The West Coast Directory. Journals (Nig.) Company. 1970.
  9. Industry, Mid-western State (Nigeria) Ministry of Trade and (1972). Midwest Nigeria Trade Fair: 1972: Official Handbook. For the Ministry, by Peter Alex Dickson Associates.
  10. "Obaseki's Steady Steps Towards 24-hour Economy With Light-up Edo Project". Edo State Government. 2022-02-05. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  11. Ihimekpen, Okharedia (27 February 2010). "The twists and turns in Edo". Vanguard News. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  12. Olumayede, Emmanuel (2012-01-01). "Variation Characteristics of Volatile Organic Compounds in an Urban Atmosphere in Nigeria". Polish Journal of Environmental Studies.
  13. NEH, Kathy Curnow with research support from; Fulbright. "Ring Road, Benin City, Nigeria - Oba Erediauwa Square: Busy Central Roundabout, Former Palace Forecourt". Bright Continent. Retrieved 2023-09-04.
  14. Nigeria, a People United, a Future Assured: Survey of states. Federal Ministry of Information. 2000. ISBN 978-978-010-408-5.
  15. West Coast [Africa] Directory. Davco. 1970.
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