Umahi Tackles Benin–Asaba Highway Crisis, Orders Asphalt Reinstatement, Water Evacuation
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has ordered the immediate rectification of deficiencies identified on the Benin–Asaba Expressway, directing the concessionaire to restore safe and smooth passage for motorists along the busy corridor.
Umahi gave the directive on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Edo State Government House to address the growing hardship faced by road users and host communities as a result of the ongoing reconstruction and expansion of the highway.
The Minister expressed concern over what he described as unacceptable deficiencies and failures in the execution and management of the concession agreement, warning that critical national infrastructure must not be allowed to deteriorate due to negligence, poor construction practices or failure to comply with approved engineering standards.
He specifically faulted the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) for alleged non-compliance with engineering standards and directives, as well as the continued engagement of personnel considered unqualified to oversee critical aspects of the project.
Umahi also raised concerns about construction methods that could compromise the quality, integrity and durability of the highway, stressing that the Federal Government would not tolerate practices capable of undermining its investments in road infrastructure.
To address the immediate challenges, the Minister directed the concessionaire to reinstate all damaged asphalt sections and create safe, properly marked passages for motorists within the carriageway.
He further ordered the evacuation of accumulated water from the road, as well as the removal of dust and other materials obstructing visibility and safe movement.
According to him, motorists should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship because of construction activities, insisting that construction operations must be properly managed to guarantee safe and reasonable passage at all times.
Umahi also demonstrated the application of the DSIP and asphalt reinstatement as practical measures for restoring affected sections of the highway and improving the travelling experience of motorists.
He urged BAECC to demonstrate greater commitment to the project despite the challenges posed by the rainy season and the heavy volume of traffic along the corridor.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Minister for his proactive approach and inspection-driven leadership.
Onyesoh lamented the hardship being experienced by motorists and host communities, assuring that the National Assembly would provide the necessary legislative backing and oversight to ensure that concessionaires comply fully with the terms of their agreements.
He also called for strict sanctions against defaulters and urged BAECC to place the welfare of road users above profit.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, decried the suffering of commuters and the economic losses being recorded daily along the corridor.
Alabi said the House of Representatives would deploy its oversight powers where necessary to compel compliance, while stressing the importance of transparency, timely intervention and the engagement of competent contractors.
In its technical briefing, the Independent Engineer for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, identified key deficiencies relating to 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 are carried out promptly and in accordance with approved specifications.
Representatives of host communities, including the SSA-P on Community Engagement, South South Zone, BPE, ICRC and PPP-FMW, also raised concerns over accidents, flooding and disruptions to local businesses.
They appealed for improved communication with affected communities and better operational arrangements to minimise hardship during construction.
Responding to the concerns, 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 highway.
Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government’s objective was not merely to execute road projects but to ensure that they are delivered in accordance with acceptable engineering standards, using competent professionals, appropriate construction methods and durable materials.
He called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the management of major road projects, stressing that national assets must be protected from avoidable deterioration.
The Minister further insisted that only competent and qualified contractors and professionals should be engaged to reset, rehabilitate and complete critical sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway in line with approved specifications and engineering standards.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to restoring major road corridors across the country and ensuring value for the substantial resources being invested in road infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his closing remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, advised the concessionaire to always put the welfare of the people above profit.
The governor stressed that Nigerians should not be subjected to unnecessary suffering and commended President Tinubu and Minister Umahi for responding swiftly to the concerns raised by Edo residents, host communities and road users over the condition of the highway.
