Abuja: The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, announced that the Federal Government is contemplating a review of the concession agreement for the Benin-Asaba Expressway. This decision comes in the wake of extensive complaints regarding the deteriorating state of the highway.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Umahi made these statements during an on-the-spot assessment in Benin, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) for its handling of the project. The minister criticized the concessionaire for lacking the required technical expertise, particularly highlighting their removal of existing asphalt without prior construction of necessary drainage infrastructure.
Umahi further accused the concessionaire of ignoring government warnings against removing the asphalt, describing such actions as the destruction of public property. He instructed ministry officials to arrest any contractor or concessionaire who removes asphalt from existing roads without approval. Apologizing to Nigerians for the hardship caused by the highway’s condition, Umahi emphasized that the government would take responsibility for rectifying the situation.
The minister assured that the Federal Government would utilize the overriding public interest provision to intervene in the project, ensuring that Nigerians do not continue to suffer due to the deficiencies in the current concession arrangement. He also mentioned engaging competent contractors to rehabilitate the highway, with additional intervention requested from CCETC for the problematic sections around Asaba.
During his inspection of the Benin-Warri Road, Umahi noted the government’s consideration of redesigning roads from Kogi to Warri and other major roads in Edo State, opting for concrete pavement instead. He highlighted the need for total reconstruction of these roads rather than relying on temporary fixes.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo commended President Bola Tinubu’s swift response to the highway’s condition, indicating concern for the difficulties faced by motorists and road users. In defense, BAECC CEO, Mr. Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow progress to heavy rainfall and traffic, emphasizing their commitment to completing the project despite challenges.
Meanwhile, the project consultant’s representative, Mr. Toyin Akinlapa, revealed that the concessionaire was advised to construct drainage systems before removing asphalt, advice which was reportedly ignored. Mr. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, urged a review of the concession agreement to prevent future substandard project delivery.
The inspection came in response to widespread complaints about the Benin-Asaba Highway, where motorists were reportedly stuck for days due to multiple failed sections. The highway had been concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for conversion into a 10-lane highway.