The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced an immediate intervention on the troubled Benin-Asaba Road, saying he will inspect the highway on Tuesday following growing protests, complaints and severe traffic congestion.
Umahi said he would meet with independent engineers, the concessionaire responsible for the road project, officials of the Ministry of Works and the Edo State Government to determine measures to address the deteriorating condition of the highway.
The minister disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, according to a video shared on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
“Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we’ll solve that problem,” Umahi said.
He attributed the worsening state of the highway to difficulties arising from the Federal Government’s efforts to involve private-sector operators in road development through concession arrangements.
Umahi specifically alleged that the concessionaire removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road without completing the rehabilitation work, leaving motorists to bear the consequences.
“But this concessionaire came and removed over 30 km of the asphalt and threw it away and threw it in the yard and left. And today, people are suffering,” he said.
According to the minister, the planned inspection would include a “robust engagement” with the independent engineers, concessionaire and the ministry’s legal team, alongside discussions with the Edo State Government.
“So, there’s going to be a robust engagement, even with the governor of Edo State,” he added.
The announcement comes amid increasing public frustration over the condition of the Benin-Agbor section of the highway, which has experienced prolonged traffic congestion and deteriorating road conditions.
Residents, motorists and transport workers have staged protests over the situation, as the road remains an important route connecting communities and facilitating movement between Edo and Delta states.
Umahi’s inspection is expected to focus on immediate measures to ease the traffic congestion and resolve issues surrounding the stalled rehabilitation works.