Umahi Orders Immediate Repairs On Benin–Asaba Expressway, Warns Concessionaire Over Project Failures
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has directed the concessionaire handling the reconstruction and expansion of the Benin–Asaba Expressway to immediately rectify identified deficiencies on the highway and restore safe passage for motorists.
Umahi issued the directive during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Edo State Government House on Wednesday, where government officials, lawmakers, project consultants, host communities and the concessionaire reviewed the condition of the strategic federal highway.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as poor execution and management of the concession agreement by the Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), saying critical national infrastructure should not be allowed to deteriorate through negligence, substandard construction practices or failure to comply with engineering standards.
He criticised the concessionaire for allegedly ignoring directives from the Federal Ministry of Works, retaining personnel considered unqualified for critical project responsibilities and adopting construction methods capable of compromising the integrity and durability of the highway.
According to Umahi, the Federal Government will not tolerate practices that undermine the huge investments being committed to road infrastructure across the country.
To address the situation, the minister directed BAECC to immediately reinstate all damaged asphalt sections, restore safe and properly marked diversions for motorists, evacuate stagnant water from the carriageway and remove dust and other materials obstructing visibility and traffic movement.
He stressed that ongoing construction activities must not subject motorists to unnecessary hardship, insisting that contractors should maintain safe and reasonable access for road users throughout the duration of the project.
As part of efforts to demonstrate practical solutions, Umahi showcased the application of the Direct Surface Improvement Programme (DSIP) alongside asphalt reinstatement as measures aimed at improving the condition of affected sections of the expressway and enhancing the travelling experience.
He urged the concessionaire to intensify efforts toward delivering the project despite challenges posed by the rainy season and heavy traffic along the corridor.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended Umahi’s proactive leadership and inspection-driven approach, while expressing concern over the hardship experienced by motorists and communities along the highway.
He assured that the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative oversight to ensure concessionaires comply fully with the terms of their agreements, calling for appropriate sanctions against defaulting contractors.
Similarly, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, lamented the economic losses and inconvenience suffered daily by commuters, warning that the House of Representatives would not hesitate to exercise its oversight powers to enforce compliance where necessary.
Alabi also emphasised the need for transparency, timely intervention and the engagement of competent contractors to deliver durable road infrastructure in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Presenting a technical assessment, the Independent Engineer for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, identified deficiencies in pavement quality, drainage systems and traffic management. The consultant recommended closer collaboration among stakeholders and immediate implementation of remedial works in accordance with approved engineering specifications.
Representatives of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Public-Private Partnership unit of the Federal Ministry of Works and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement for the South-South Zone also conveyed concerns from host communities over accidents, flooding and disruptions to businesses arising from the construction activities.
They called for improved communication with affected communities and better traffic management measures to minimise hardship while construction continues.
Responding to the concerns, the Benin–Asaba Expressway Concession Company assured stakeholders of its commitment to addressing the identified deficiencies and implementing the corrective measures directed by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government’s objective extends beyond constructing roads to ensuring that projects meet approved engineering standards through the deployment of competent professionals, quality materials and appropriate construction techniques.
He further called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the execution of major road projects, stressing that national assets must be protected from avoidable deterioration.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring major road corridors across the country and ensuring value for public funds invested in infrastructure development.
In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, urged the concessionaire to place the welfare of Nigerians above profit, saying road users should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship because of ongoing construction works.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their prompt response to concerns raised by residents and motorists using the Benin–Asaba Expressway.
