The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi has expressed concern over what he described as unacceptable deficiencies and failures in executing and managing the Concession Agreement on the Reconstruction and Expansion of the Benin-Asaba Highway.
He stated this at a Stakeholders Engagement to find a feasible solution to the plight of road users and host communities along the corridor at the Edo State Government House on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026. He stressed that critical national infrastructure must not be allowed to deteriorate through negligence, poor and unprofessional construction practices, or failure to follow instructions.
According to a press statement by Mohammed A. Ahmed, Director, Information and Public Relations., Engr. Umahi frowned at the Concessionaire, Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), for failing to comply with engineering standards and directives. He also expressed concern at the continued retention of personnel considered unqualified to direct critical project activities, and what he described as actions capable of causing deliberate or avoidable damage to critical national assets.
He further expressed concern over inadequate construction methods and practices that could compromise the integrity and durability of the road. He insisted that the Federal Government would not tolerate practices that undermine the huge investments being made in the nation's road infrastructure.
The Minister called on BAECC to immediately take corrective measures in order to remedy the problem and alleviate the suffering caused. These include the reinstatement of all damaged asphalt sections and the recreation of safe and properly marked passages for motorists within the carriageway.
He further directed that accumulated water on the carriageway be evacuated, while dust and other materials obstructing visibility and safe movement be removed without further delay.
The Minister emphasised that motorists must not be subjected to unnecessary hardship because of ongoing construction activities, adding that construction operations should be properly managed to maintain safe and reasonable passage for road users at all times.
As part of the corrective measures, Umahi showcased the application of the DSIP and the reinstatement of asphalt as practical interventions towards restoring sections of the road and improving travelling experience.
He urged the Concessionaire to demonstrate greater commitment to the successful delivery of the project, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the current rainy season and high volume of traffic.
In his address, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Minister for his proactive leadership and inspection-driven approach. He decried the hardship faced by motorists and host communities due to the poor state of the road.
Senator Onyesoh assured that the National Assembly would provide legislative backing and oversight to ensure that Concessionaires comply 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.
Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, lamented the suffering of commuters and the economic losses recorded daily along the corridor. He noted that the House of Representatives would not hesitate to invoke its oversight powers to compel compliance.
Hon. Alabi stressed the need for transparency, timely intervention, and the use of competent contractors to deliver quality and durable roads that reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Independent Engineer (IE) for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited in its technical briefing, identified key deficiencies in pavement quality, drainage, and traffic management.They strongly called for synergy among all stakeholders and the adoption of smooth operational guidelines to ensure that remedial works are executed without further delay and, in line with approved specifications.
In the same vein, the SSA-P on Community Engagement, South South Zone, BPE, ICRC, and PPP-FMW, separately, expressed concerns of host communities over accidents, flooding, and disruptions to local businesses. They appealed for better communication with communities and for smooth operational guidelines that would minimise hardship during the period of construction,while ensuring the successful delivery of all road projects across the six geopolitical zones.
The Concessionaire, in response, assured the Minister of their commitment to addressing the identified challenges and implementing the necessary corrective measures to improve the condition and functionality of the corridor.
The Minister reiterated that the objective of the Federal Government was not merely to execute road projects but to ensure that projects are delivered according to acceptable engineering standards, using competent personnel, appropriate construction methods and durable materials.
Engr. Umahi, therefore, called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the management of major road projects, noting that national assets must be protected from avoidable deterioration.
He reiterated the need to ensure that only competent and qualified contractors and professionals are engaged to reset, rehabilitate and complete critical sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway, in accordance with approved specifications and engineering standards.
The Minister concluded by guaranteeing that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring the nation's major road corridors and ensuring that Nigerians get value for the substantial resources being invested in road infrastructure, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
In his closing remarks at the Engagement, the Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo advised the Concessionaire to, always, *put the welfare of the people above profit, emphasising that no Nigerians should be made to suffer, unnecessarily.
He praised Mr. President and the Minister for the quick and effective response to the cries of his people and road users.
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