FIC Report (Edo State) – Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, embarked on a joint inspection of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts to assess the deplorable state of critical road infrastructure and explore urgent interventions to ease the burden on commuters. The inspection tour aimed to identify areas that require immediate attention and find solutions to the long-standing problem of poor road conditions.
The inspection tour took the delegation to Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, where both leaders expressed deep displeasure at the condition of the roads. Minister Umahi commended Governor Okpebholo for his ongoing interventions and urged the State Government to intensify its support in alleviating the plight of road users. Umahi formally handed over the completion of one full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government, noting that the Federal Ministry of Works will handle the design, while execution will be managed locally by the State Government.
Umahi praised the Okpebholo’s efforts in complementing federal interventions and noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to rewriting the history of road construction in Nigeria. He warned contractors to accelerate work, emphasizing that President Tinubu is determined to build roads that will last 50 to 100 years. Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritizing Edo roads, describing the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results.
The inspection team also included Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, Director of Federal Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation); Gift Johnbull, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South); and Mohammad Rabiu, Project Manager. Engr. Ogbuagu commended BUA International for the quality of work delivered on the 30km Ekpoma section, while Mohammad Rabiu assured that the new concrete design being used would ensure longevity. Gift Johnbull described the project as a direct product of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The visit highlighted the renewed focus on infrastructure development in Edo State and the commitment to delivering lasting solutions to the state’s road challenges. Governor Okpebholo and Minister Umahi also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of Benin-Asaba Expressway and the first-ever flyover bridge in Edo State, with the Minister instructing contractors to provide palliative measures to reduce the daily stress road users endure. The government’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving the lives of citizens and fostering economic growth through infrastructure development.
Signed
Adu Stella Nneka
SI&PRO
FIC, Benin.
October 3rd, 2025
