By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of damaged sections of the Benin-Asaba Expressway and restoration of safe passage for motorists, following growing concerns over the condition of the major road corridor and hardship faced by road users and host communities.
The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, gave the directive to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Edo State Government House.
Umahi 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 warned that critical national infrastructure must not be allowed to deteriorate through negligence, poor construction practices or failure to comply with approved engineering standards and directives.
The Minister specifically directed BAECC to immediately reinstate damaged asphalt sections and create safe, properly marked passages for motorists within the carriageway.
He also ordered the evacuation of accumulated water on the road and the removal of dust and other materials obstructing visibility and safe movement.
Umahi stressed that motorists must not be subjected to unnecessary hardship because of ongoing construction, insisting that construction activities must be properly managed to guarantee safe and reasonable passage at all times.
He further criticised BAECC over alleged failure to comply with engineering standards and directives, as well as the continued retention of personnel he considered unqualified to direct critical project activities.
The Minister said the Federal Government would not tolerate construction methods or practices capable of compromising the integrity and durability of the road or undermining the huge investments being made in national road infrastructure.
As part of efforts to restore affected sections of the highway, Umahi showcased the application of the DSIP and the reinstatement of asphalt as practical interventions aimed at improving the condition of the road and easing the travelling experience of motorists.
He urged the concessionaire to demonstrate greater commitment to the project despite the challenges posed by the rainy season and the high volume of traffic along the corridor.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended Umahi for what he described as proactive leadership and an inspection-driven approach to addressing the challenges confronting the highway.
Onyesoh decried the hardship faced by motorists and host communities and assured that the National Assembly would provide the necessary legislative backing and oversight to ensure that concessionaires complied fully with the terms of their agreements.
He 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 reportedly 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.
He said such measures were necessary to ensure that the project reflected the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Independent Engineer (IE) for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, in a technical briefing, 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 were executed without further delay and in accordance with approved specifications.
The SSA-P on Community Engagement, South South Zone, BPE, ICRC, and PPP-FMW, separately, raised concerns from host communities over accidents, flooding and disruptions to local businesses.
They appealed for improved communication with communities and the implementation of operational guidelines capable of minimising hardship during construction while ensuring the successful delivery of road projects.
Responding to the concerns, the concessionaire assured the Minister of its commitment to addressing the identified challenges and implementing corrective measures to improve the condition and functionality of the corridor.
Umahi, however, maintained that the Federal Government’s objective was not merely to execute road projects but to ensure that they were delivered according to acceptable engineering standards, using competent personnel, appropriate construction methods and durable materials.
He called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the management of major road projects, warning 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 the **Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, in his closing remarks at the engagement, urged the concessionaire to always place the welfare of the people above profit.
He stressed that Nigerians should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship as a result of the ongoing construction activities.
Okpebholo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Works Minister for what he described as a quick and effective response to the concerns raised by residents and road users.
The Director, Information and Public Relations, Mohammed A. Ahmed, disclosed this in a statement issued on August 27, 2026.
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