Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
President Bola Tinubu has called for the adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology on the dualisation of section II, III and IV of the Obajana Junction-Benin road, saying it would guarantee a lifespan of 50–100 years.
This is coming on the heels of the earlier termination of the project last year due to non-performance.
During the project’s flag-off in Edo State, Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, enlisted the hard time faced by commuters and motorists due to the road’s failure and high traffic volume, necessitating its dualisation.
Umahi noted that the project had lingered for too long, negatively affecting road users. He explained that since assuming office, he had frequently visited the road and held several meetings with the former contractors, but no improvements were made.
“Upon reporting back to Mr President, he ordered an immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the suffering, leading to the termination of three out of the four sections of the entire alignment,” Umahi said.
He maintained that the strategic importance of the road as an extension of the East-West Road and a vital link between the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and the northern states to the south-east, south-west, and south-south zones, promoting economic connectivity cannot be overemphasized.
The minister further commended President Tinubu for his concern for the plight of road users and residents along the corridor, urging them to exercise patience during the construction of additional lanes and the reconstruction of the existing alignment.
He directed contractors to fast-track the work, warning that delays would not be tolerated.
The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, representing the state’s governor, also expressed gratitude to the president for his fatherly concern, assuring him of electoral support.
Former Edo State Governor and current senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, commended President Tinubu’s generosity and Engineer Umahi’s dedication, expressing gratitude for witnessing the day.
The Lokoja–Benin Road dualisation is divided into four sections, with three sections located in Edo State. Section II spans from Okene to Auchi (63.70 km), Section III covers Auchi to Ehor (54.224 km), and Section IV stretches from Ehor to Benin (67.9 km).
Section I (Obajana Junction–Ajaokuta Junction), still ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited, who also hold the contract for Section II. Section III has been awarded to Messrs Bua Construction (Nigeria) Ltd., while CBC (Nigeria) Limited is managing Section IV.