The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of defective sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway and directed the concessionaire to restore safe and smooth passage for motorists along the major highway.
Umahi gave the directive on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Edo State Government House to find lasting solutions to the hardship being experienced by road users and host communities along the corridor.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the Minister expressed concern over what he described as unacceptable deficiencies and failures in the execution and management of the concession agreement for the reconstruction and expansion of the Benin–Asaba Highway.
He specifically directed the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) to immediately reinstate all damaged asphalt sections and create safe and properly marked passages for motorists within the carriageway.
The Minister also ordered the evacuation of accumulated water on the road and the removal of dust and other materials obstructing visibility and safe movement, stressing that ongoing construction activities must not subject motorists to unnecessary hardship.
Umahi frowned at the concessionaire’s alleged failure to comply with engineering standards and directives, as well as the continued retention of personnel considered unqualified to direct critical project activities.
He warned that the Federal Government would not tolerate construction methods and practices capable of compromising the integrity and durability of critical national infrastructure or undermining the huge investments being made in the country’s road network.
The Minister further showcased the application of the DSIP and reinstatement of asphalt as practical interventions for restoring affected sections and improving the travelling experience along the corridor.
He urged BAECC to demonstrate greater commitment to the successful delivery of the project, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the rainy season and the high volume of traffic on the route.
Umahi stressed that the Federal Government’s objective was not merely to execute road projects, but to ensure that they were delivered in accordance with acceptable engineering standards, using competent personnel, appropriate construction methods and durable materials.
He consequently called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the management of major road projects, insisting that only competent and qualified contractors and professionals should be engaged to reset, rehabilitate and complete critical sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Minister for his proactive leadership and inspection-driven approach, while decrying the hardship faced by motorists and host communities because of the condition of the road.
Onyesoh assured that the National Assembly would provide legislative backing and oversight to ensure that concessionaires fully complied with the terms of their agreements. He also called for strict sanctions against defaulters and urged BAECC to prioritise the welfare of road users above profit.
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, lamented the suffering of commuters and the economic losses being recorded daily along the corridor.
Alabi said the House of Representatives would not hesitate to invoke its oversight powers to compel compliance, stressing the need for transparency, timely intervention and the engagement of competent contractors capable of delivering quality and durable roads in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In its technical briefing, the Independent Engineer for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, identified deficiencies in pavement quality, drainage and traffic management.
The consultants called for stronger synergy among stakeholders and the adoption of smooth operational guidelines to ensure that remedial works were executed without further delay and in line with approved specifications.
Representatives of the SSA-P on Community Engagement, South South Zone, BPE, ICRC and PPP-FMW also raised concerns over the impact of the road’s condition on host communities, particularly accidents, flooding and disruptions to local businesses.
They appealed for improved communication with affected communities and the adoption of measures that would minimise hardship during construction while ensuring the successful completion of the project.
In response, the concessionaire assured the Minister of its commitment to addressing the identified challenges and implementing the necessary corrective measures to improve the condition and functionality of the corridor.
Umahi reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to restoring major road corridors across the country and ensuring that Nigerians receive value from the substantial resources being invested in road infrastructure.
He said national assets must be protected from avoidable deterioration, while road projects must be executed with professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to approved engineering standards.
The Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, in his closing remarks, urged the concessionaire to put the welfare of the people above profit, stressing that Nigerians should not be made to suffer unnecessarily.
Okpebholo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works for responding swiftly to the concerns raised by residents, host communities and road users over the condition of the Benin–Asaba Expressway.
