The Direct Labour Agency (DLA) of Delta State has presented its proposed 2026 budget to the Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba, with a strong appeal for renewed government attention and funding to restore dilapidated road infrastructure across the state.
Speaking with journalists after the budget defence, the Director-General of the agency, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, said the session went well and provided an opportunity to clearly outline the agency’s needs and challenges.
Ighomena emphasized that the DLA is primarily responsible for the maintenance of existing roads, while the Ministry of Works handles new road construction. He noted that many roads previously constructed in the state are now in urgent need of rehabilitation, making it necessary for government to channel funds toward maintenance rather than focusing solely on new projects.
“We have been able to speak our minds. DLA is supposed to maintain existing roads, not construct new ones,” he said. “There are so many bad roads, especially in rural areas. While new roads are important, the old ones must be preserved, otherwise government wastes money.”
Chief Ighomena revealed that the agency has successfully reactivated its asphalt plant, which had been non-functional for over three decades.
“The asphalt plant did not work for more than 30 years, but we have reactivated it. It is working now,” he said.
He added that the agency is already conducting test production at the plant and is prepared to begin full-scale mass production once adequate funding is provided.
Highlighting the agency’s operational challenges, Ighomena disclosed that much of the DLA’s equipment has been in use for more than 25 years—some as old as 30 years.
“How can you use one payloader or grader for 25 years and still hope to work effectively?” he asked. “We are still using a grader that is almost 30 years old. This is the time for government to help us re-equip.”
He stressed that modern equipment and a functioning laboratory are needed to strengthen the agency’s capacity for road repairs across the state.
According to him, the agency plans to focus heavily on rehabilitating roads in rural communities where most of the dilapidated routes are located.
He acknowledged that past administrations invested in the agency, but noted that over the years, attention shifted elsewhere—comparing the situation to a large family where some children may be overlooked until their needs become urgent.
“Government has many responsibilities. At a time, attention was on DLA, but now it is time for government to return and boost it again,” he said.
While reaffirming the agency’s partnership with the Ministry of Works, he stressed the importance of clarity in roles stating that the Ministry of Works: builds new roads, while DLA: maintains and repairs existing ones.
Ighomena said proper funding and strengthened collaboration will ensure Delta State’s road network is sustained and improved.
