Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Federal Government has commenced emergency palliative rehabilitation of the deteriorating Benin–Asaba Road, with the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, assuring motorists that the intervention is expected to restore temporary motorability along the critical corridor within four weeks.
Umahi gave the assurance at the flag-off ceremony in Benin City, stating that the emergency intervention was designed to provide immediate relief to motorists and alleviate the hardship occasioned by the deplorable condition of the road.
The Minister also dismissed reports that the Federal Government had awarded the temporary rehabilitation contract to High Tech or any other contractor, clarifying that no such contract had been awarded.
According to Umahi, the Federal Ministry of Works is instead deploying and hiring equipment belonging to contractors already operating along the corridor, including High Tech, CCECC and CBC, while additional equipment is being mobilised to ensure the intervention is completed as quickly as possible.
He stressed that the government’s immediate priority is to arrest the worsening condition of the road, improve traffic flow and provide urgent relief to commuters and businesses that depend on the Benin-Asaba corridor.
The minister said the emergency works became necessary following the deteriorating condition of the road and concerns over the implementation of the existing concession arrangement.
He explained that the Benin-Asaba project was originally conceived under a concession by the previous administration, but subsequent assessments by the ministry raised concerns over engineering capacity, funding and construction methods.
Umahi said some sections of the road had been removed and reconstructed in ways that did not conform with the required specifications, further worsening the condition of the carriageway.
He said the Federal Government had therefore decided to undertake an immediate temporary intervention while advancing plans for a permanent reconstruction.
The minister also announced that the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road will be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement, which he said would provide greater durability and reduce the need for frequent rehabilitation.
He added that supervising engineers would be deployed to various sections of the corridor to ensure proper monitoring of the intervention.
The Minister noted that plans are also underway to reconstruct and raise the height of some bridges along the route to improve gradients, drainage and traffic movement.
Umahi further announced immediate palliative works on the Benin Bypass and adjoining sections of the East-West Road.
On the Second Niger Bridge, the minister said measures had been ordered to reduce congestion, including the installation of a median barrier, additional CCTV cameras and solar lighting.
He also disclosed plans for a review of the bridge’s foundation and deck to determine the need for further structural intervention.
The minister appealed to stakeholders and residents to support the emergency works and ensure that equipment deployed to the corridor is not obstructed or harassed.
On the part of the Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for responding swiftly to the state’s concerns over the Benin-Asaba Road.
He expressed satisfaction with the deployment of heavy equipment to the corridor, noting that more than 50 pieces of equipment had been mobilised for the intervention.
Okpebholo recalled that he had personally raised the condition of the road with President Tinubu during a meeting in France, after which, according to him, the President directed the Minister of Works to take immediate action.
He described the intervention as evidence of the President’s concern for the people of Edo State and thanked the Federal Government for responding to the state’s request.
Okpebholo also praised the use of concrete pavement in major road projects, saying the approach would produce more durable infrastructure and reduce the burden on future administrations.
The governor said the Federal Government’s ongoing infrastructure projects and economic reforms were part of efforts to reposition the country, urging Nigerians to remain patient and support the administration.
He expressed confidence that the current interventions would improve road infrastructure and contribute to safer and smoother movement of people and goods across Edo State and the wider South-South region.
The Commissioner for Works(Rural Roads) and Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, representing the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the ceremony, he welcomed the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road, describing the corridor as a critical economic artery connecting Edo and Delta states with the South-East and other commercial centres.
