By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has commenced an emergency intervention on the deteriorating Benin-Asaba Expressway in Edo and Delta States to restore smooth movement and ease the hardship faced by motorists and commuters along the critical corridor.
According to an official statement signed by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Works, the intervention was launched by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State, under the Ministry’s “Operation Rescue” initiative.
The 125-kilometre highway, which runs from AIF Roundabout in Benin City to Summit Junction in Asaba, was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the previous administration, with the site formally handed over in March 2025.
However, the Ministry said the concessionaire had been found to lack the technical and financial capacity to execute the project, a position established by the Independent Engineer for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited.
The Independent Engineer subsequently advised the Ministry to take urgent steps to prevent further deterioration of the road, reduce gridlock and alleviate the hardship faced by motorists and communities along the corridor.
Umahi said the emergency intervention would involve the deployment of equipment and personnel by the Ministry to address critically failed sections of the expressway.
He stressed that the intervention was not a new contract but an immediate response to the plight of road users.
“This is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users,” the Minister said.
According to him, the intervention is aimed at providing immediate traffic relief while working towards durable engineering solutions for the affected sections.
“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,” Umahi said.
The Minister also appealed to motorists to exercise patience, comply with traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones as the emergency works progress.
He said the Federal Government would not allow the deteriorating condition of the strategic highway to continue undermining economic activities, movement of people and goods, and the safety of road users and host communities.
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern for the welfare of Nigerians, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to restoring the Benin-Asaba Expressway to a safe and durable condition.
Speaking at the event, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended the Federal Government for responding to the concerns of motorists and communities affected by the deteriorating road.
Delta State Deputy Governor, Charles Aniagwu, who represented Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, also expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as a welcome development for residents of the state and other road users.
The representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commended the President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and praised the Works Minister for prioritising the welfare of residents in the region.
Earlier, Edo State Governor’s Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the intervention as timely, noting that the Benin-Asaba corridor plays a critical role in connecting communities and facilitating commerce and trade between Edo, Delta and other parts of the country.
