Nigeria moves to save Benin-Asaba expressway as concessionaire goes bankrupt, Works Minister Umahi starts emergency works

.

Nigeria moves to save Benin-Asaba expressway as concessionaire goes bankrupt, Works Minister Umahi starts emergency works

From our journalist

Benin City (Core Reporters) — The Federal Government has launched an emergency response to the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba highway after the concessionaire operating the strategic highway was found unable to execute the project to the required technical and financial standards.

Minister of Works, Eng. David Umahi, who launched the intervention dubbed “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Expressway” in Benin City, Edo State on Thursday, said the Federal Government was forced to act to prevent further deterioration of the road and alleviate hardships experienced by motorists, commuters, businesses and communities along the corridor.

The intervention involves the deployment of government equipment and personnel through the Federal Ministry of Works to address critical sections of the highway and restore traffic movement pending the provision of a more durable engineering solution.

The 125 kilometer long Benin-Asaba Highway extends from the AIF roundabout in Benin City to Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, making it an important economic and transportation corridor connecting the two states with other parts of the country.

The expressway was granted to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the immediate past administration, while the site was formally handed over by the current administration in March 2025.

However, the Ministry said the project’s independent engineer, Yolas Consultants Limited, determined that the concessionaire did not have the technical and financial capacity to execute the project.

According to the Ministry, the Independent Engineer has therefore advised the Government to take urgent action to arrest further deterioration, prevent worsening traffic jams, reduce the suffering of road users and protect the Federal Government from further embarrassment.

Umahi said he personally monitored the concession project through several site visits and instructed the concessionaire, through the independent engineer, to comply with the Ministry’s standards and methodology.

According to him, the concessionaire’s failure to comply with the required standards contributed to the deterioration of the road conditions, making emergency intervention necessary.

The Minister stressed that the operation is not a new contract, but an immediate response to the deteriorating condition of the highway.

“This is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users,” Umahi said.

He added that the government’s immediate priority is to restore movement along the collapsed parts, while at the same time working towards a sustainable engineering solution.

“Operation Rescue is about immediate action, restoring traffic and protecting the traveling public and communities along the corridor,” he said.

“We are determined to address the failed sections and subsequently provide a lasting solution that will serve Nigerians for many years.”

Umahi said the intervention was motivated by the need to protect public interest and ensure that Nigerians do not continue to bear the consequences of deteriorating infrastructure resulting from the concessionaire’s mistakes.

He also urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management officials and exercise caution in construction zones.

“I ask motorists to exercise patience, observe traffic management directives and drive with caution around active construction zones,” he said.

The minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern for the welfare of Nigerians, saying the ministry remained committed to restoring the Benin-Asaba Highway to a safe, functional and durable condition.

Also, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has been lauded for his response to the August 2026 protests over the condition of the highway, during which he dispatched his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and assure affected communities and motorists of government intervention.

Representing the Governor at the ceremony, the state government appreciated President Tinubu for the intervention and commended the Minister of Public Works for his continuous efforts to improve road infrastructure.

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his deputy, Charles Aniagwu, also welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely response that would improve the lives of residents and other road users.

Likewise, the representative of the Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commended the President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and Umahi for his focus on infrastructure and the well-being of the people in the region.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as timely, stressing that the highway remains a vital transport corridor for communities, trade and commerce between Edo, Delta and other parts of the country.

The ceremony was attended by deputy governors of Edo and Delta States, the Speaker of Edo State Assembly, representatives of the NDDC, community leaders and other stakeholders.