Umahi Orders Immediate Repairs on Benin-Asaba Highway, Demands Compliance With Concession Agreement

The Minister of Works, David Umahi has ordered Concessionaire, Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), to carry out immediate corrective measures on the Reconstruction and Expansion of the Highway.

This is to remedy the problem and alleviate the unbearable suffering caused to users of the expressway.

Umahi gave the order 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 in Benin.

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 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, 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.

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 Tinubu.

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.

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 Tinubu.

In his closing remarks at the Engagement, the Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, urged the Concessionaire to always put the welfare of the people above profit, emphasising that no Nigerians should be made to suffer, unnecessarily.

He praised the President and the Minister for the quick and effective response to the cries of his people and road users.

Written by Abiola Peters