FIC REPORT ( EDO STATE) — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the Benin–Asaba Highway by the concessionaire, stressing the Federal Government’s determination to complete the strategic road project.
Umahi stated this during an inspection of the Benin–Asaba Highway, where he expressed concern over the condition of the road and the impact of the project’s delayed and inadequate handling on motorists, residents and communities along the corridor.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensuring that the road is completed and delivered to Nigerians.
“We are determined to ensure we complete this road. We have a reputation to maintain,” Umahi said.
The Minister stressed the importance of finding practical and sustainable solutions to the challenges affecting the project, noting that the Federal Government remained committed to providing infrastructure capable of supporting economic activities and improving connectivity across the country.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, called for a review of the agreement with the concessionaire to ensure that the arrangement adequately served the interests of Nigerians.
“We should review all such contracts. We cannot afford concessionaires who can be giving us issues. The people want to see good roads. There must be palliative measures. Let us come up with a solution where people can move,” Alabi said.
The representative of the project consultant, Engr. Toyin Akinlapa, also faulted the concessionaire for failing to comply with technical instructions issued by the consultants.
According to him, the consultants had advised the concessionaire to prioritise the construction of drainage infrastructure before proceeding with other aspects of the road works.
“The concessionaire did not heed our instructions. We told them to first do the drains, but they ignored us, and that affected the road. The company also had some challenges with its technical team,” Akinlapa explained.
Senator Allwell Onyesoh, who expressed concern over the state of the highway, described its condition as “despicable,” stressing the need for urgent intervention to ease the hardship being experienced by road users.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, on his part, commended President Tinubu for his prompt response to the challenges confronting the Benin–Asaba Highway.
He described the President’s intervention as a demonstration of his administration’s concern for the plight and welfare of Nigerians, particularly residents and motorists who depend on the highway for transportation and economic activities.
The Governor also urged residents to disregard what he described as opposition comments circulating on social media concerning the road project, and to support ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to address the challenges confronting the highway.
The Benin–Asaba Highway is a major transportation corridor linking Edo and Delta States and serves as an important route for the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods between the South-South region and other parts of the country.
Signed:
Daniel Ejodamen
Federal Information Centre, Benin City
25th August, 2026
