Benin-Asaba Road Crisis: Works Ministry Seeks Alternative Contractor

The Federal Ministry of Works says it is taking urgent steps to restore the Benin-Asaba Highway and end the hardship faced by motorists on the strategic 125-kilometer corridor.

The Federal Controller of Works, Edo State, Engr. Babatunde Tajudeen, disclosed this during a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, September 7, 2026.

He said the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has directed that the road be given immediate attention.

The highway which runs from Ring Road Roundabout, Benin City to Summit Junction, Asaba, Delta State, links the South-South, South-East and parts of South-West, and is critical for passengers, freight and commerce.

The project is under Phase I of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) – a PPP arrangement to use private investment for federal roads.

It would be recalled that the Federal Executive Council approved the concession to Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC) on January 16, 2023, under a 25-year Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer model. The agreement was signed on May 23, 2023.

Engr. Tajudeen said the project has faced major setbacks, worsening the road condition in recent months.

The crisis peaked on August 16, 2026, with protests by residents over the bad road and slow work.

On August 25, 2026, Minister Umahi and Edo Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, visited the site to assess the situation.

During the inspection, the Minister accused BAECC of gross default, citing scarification of stable asphalt without reconstruction, use of allegedly unqualified personnel, lack of capacity, slow pace and substandard work, and poor traffic management that caused gridlocks in December 2025 and from Aug 19, 2026.

According to the Controller, removing asphalt without quick reconstruction exposed the road base to rain, causing further damage, noting that some sections may now need continuous reinforced concrete pavement, instead of a normal asphalt overlay.

Engr. Tajudeen, who clarified the concession has not been terminated yet due to legal procedures, added that the Minister has proposed a mutual termination and asked for an intervention by another competent Federal Works contractor.

BAECC was also asked to reinstate the scarified sections to the state the road was in before work started 16 months ago.

“Two weeks after the Minister’s engagement, no meaningful intervention has been recorded,” the Controller said.

The Ministry is now intensifying efforts to bring in an alternative contractor within its legal powers to resume work immediately.

Engr. Tajudeen appealed to motorists, residents and transport operators to be patient, saying government recognizes the highway’s strategic importance.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for driving infrastructure nationwide and praised Minister Umahi for personally monitoring projects, including multiple visits to Edo in the last six months.

“The Benin-Asaba Highway will not be left in its present state. The Federal Ministry of Works is committed to a lasting solution and restoring the road to a safe, motorable condition,” he assured.

He urged all road users to remain calm as processes to engage a credible intervention are finalized.