- Works Minister David Umahi has inspected the Benin-Agbor-Asaba Expressway following mounting complaints over its poor condition and severe gridlock.
- The Federal Government has pledged an urgent intervention involving key stakeholders connected to the project.
- The visit has drawn mixed reactions, with some Nigerians welcoming the intervention and others accusing the government of responding only after sustained public pressure.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has inspected the troubled Benin-Agbor-Asaba Expressway in Edo and Delta states following growing public complaints over the road’s deteriorating condition and severe traffic gridlock.
The inspection comes after Umahi announced that he would visit the highway and meet with independent engineers, the concessionaire handling the project, his ministry’s legal team and the Edo State Government to find an immediate solution.
The minister had earlier assured Nigerians that the government would address the crisis, saying, “Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we’ll solve that problem.”
Umahi attributed part of the current problem to challenges surrounding the Federal Government’s concession arrangement with private-sector operators. He also alleged that the concessionaire removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road without completing the rehabilitation work.
The Benin-Agbor section has been plagued by failed portions, potholes and prolonged gridlock, with motorists and residents complaining about the impact on movement along the busy corridor.
The inspection has generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians welcoming the minister’s intervention while others questioned why action came only after widespread public complaints.
@MaziEzike_Nedu: It’s good that he’s finally there, but the main issue is resolving that 25 year private concession deadlock that slowed down government intervention in the first place. Glad to see the Ewedu and Sabo Okpa presidency stepped in directly.
@musiccrazies: Shame on Nigeria
@uzor_chukwu1: Does this even look like a road?
@Izustic_: Why is the Nigerian government so reactive. Must we tag them in everything before they respond. Shouldn’t it be his responsibility to know all the major access points in the country and ensure he fix those roads. It’s the same with waste management
@Azuanuuka1: Umahi and Tinubu will face the gallows when Peter Obi and Kwankwaso takes over the leadership of Nigeria.
@ifeanyi_ezeme: I like the way Nigerians drag and draw the attention of the govt and minister of work to the Benin-Agboe-Asaba Expressway. I wish we continue to drag them too to look at other critical projects they suppose to do in the country
@beet_kon: Its a federal road So the minister of works knows the drill Kudos to him
@NjokuChima19: Hypocrites! So until the people cry out loud before you’ll take any action
@equillazi: The man is marveled by the condition of the road as he tiptoes his way out.
