The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced plans to visit the Benin-Asaba Road on Tuesday following widespread complaints, protests and worsening gridlock caused by the deteriorating condition of the federal highway.
Umahi disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, according to a video shared by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
The minister said he would meet with independent engineers, the concessionaire handling the road project and the Edo State Government to find an urgent solution to the situation.
“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 poor condition of the road to the Federal Government’s efforts to involve private-sector operators in road development through concession arrangements.
“It’s not caused by Ministry of Works; it’s caused by, you know, our attempt to involve private sector in road development, as it’s done in other places,” he said.
Umahi alleged that the concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road without completing the expected rehabilitation, leaving motorists and residents to suffer.
“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,” the minister said.
He said the ministry would engage the independent engineers, the concessionaire and its lawyers, while also holding discussions with the Edo State Government on the way forward.
“So, there’s going to be a robust engagement, even with the governor of Edo State,” he added.
The planned inspection comes amid mounting complaints over the Benin-Agbor section of the highway, where motorists, residents and transport workers have protested the prolonged gridlock and deteriorating road conditions.
The situation has reportedly left motorists and travellers stranded for extended periods, with videos circulating online showing vehicles trapped in traffic and some travellers spending nights on the road.
Umahi also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works would inspect the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti Road, where a section of the federal highway has reportedly collapsed, causing severe traffic congestion and leaving articulated vehicles stranded.
According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry in 2024 to take over the project after inspecting its condition.
He added that the road had since been redesigned and that the Minister of State would submit a report to the President after the inspection.
“We have redesigned it, and when he goes, he’s going to bring up a report, which we will submit to Mr. President,” Umahi said.
