The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has expressed concern over what he described as unacceptable deficiencies and poor management of the concession agreement for the reconstruction and expansion of the Benin-Asaba Highway.
Umahi spoke on 26 August 2026, at a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Edo State Government House to address the deteriorating condition of the highway and the hardship faced by motorists and host communities along the corridor.
The Minister criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) for allegedly failing to comply with approved engineering standards and directives, warning that critical national infrastructure must not be allowed to deteriorate due to negligence, poor construction practices or disregard for professional instructions.
He also raised concerns over the continued engagement of personnel he considered unqualified to oversee critical project activities, as well as construction practices that could compromise the integrity, durability and safety of the highway.
Umahi directed the concessionaire to immediately undertake corrective measures, including the reinstatement of damaged asphalt sections and the creation of safe, properly marked passages for motorists within the carriageway.
He further ordered the evacuation of accumulated water from the road and the removal of dust and other materials obstructing visibility and safe movement.
The Minister stressed that motorists should not be subjected to unnecessary hardship because of ongoing construction, insisting that project activities must be properly managed to ensure safe and reasonable passage for road users at all times.
As part of the remedial measures, Umahi showcased the application of the DSIP and asphalt reinstatement as practical interventions to restore damaged sections and improve motorists’ travelling experience.
He urged BAECC to demonstrate greater commitment to the project despite challenges posed by the rainy season and heavy traffic along the corridor.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended Umahi for what he described as proactive leadership and an inspection-driven approach, while expressing concern over the hardship faced by motorists and host communities.
Onyesoh assured that the National Assembly would strengthen its oversight to ensure concessionaires comply fully with contractual obligations. He also called for sanctions against defaulters and urged BAECC to place the welfare of road users above profit.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, lamented the suffering of commuters and the economic losses caused by the poor condition of the road.
Alabi said the House of Representatives would deploy its oversight powers where necessary to compel compliance, stressing the importance of transparency, timely intervention and the deployment of competent contractors capable of delivering durable infrastructure.
The Independent Engineer for the project, Yolas Consultants Limited, identified deficiencies in pavement quality, drainage and traffic management in its technical briefing.
The consultant called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and the adoption of clear operational guidelines to ensure remedial works are carried out promptly and in line with approved specifications.
Representatives of host communities, including officials from the BPE, ICRC and PPP-FMW, also raised concerns over accidents, flooding and disruptions to local businesses.
They called for improved communication with affected communities and operational measures that would minimise hardship throughout the construction period.
Responding to the concerns, BAECC assured the Minister of its commitment to addressing the identified deficiencies and implementing corrective measures to improve the condition and functionality of the highway.
Umahi reiterated that the Federal Government’s objective was not merely to execute road projects but to ensure that they are delivered according to acceptable engineering standards, using competent personnel, appropriate construction methods and durable materials.
He called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the management of major road projects, stressing that national assets must be protected from avoidable deterioration.
The Minister further insisted that only competent and qualified contractors and professionals should be engaged to reset, rehabilitate and complete critical sections of the Benin-Asaba Expressway in accordance with approved specifications and engineering standards.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to restoring major road corridors and ensuring value for the substantial resources invested in road infrastructure under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his closing remarks, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, urged the concessionaire to always put the welfare of the people above profit, stressing that Nigerians should not be made to suffer unnecessarily.
The governor commended President Tinubu and the Works Minister for their prompt response to concerns raised by Edo residents, host communities and road users over the condition of the highway.
