Chisom Umejiaku
Motorists have raised fresh concerns over the worsening condition of the Benin–Asaba Expressway in 2025, describing it as unsafe and in urgent need of attention.
Commuters say repeated complaints to relevant authorities have yielded little result, with assurances of repairs often followed by minimal activity. Some noted that construction workers are occasionally deployed to the road, but the work is either abandoned or no significant improvement is made.
The deplorable state of the highway has also sparked conversations on social media platform X, where Nigerians are sharing their frustration.
“If you are pregnant, don’t pass this road or the pregnancy go comot,” wrote @BIG_YOLO.
“A lot of federal roads need urgent attention, but Umahi and Tinubu preferred to create new ‘Coastal roads’ where they can loot money,” alleged @chinemelumma.
“I hope we can have intercity train transportation across all states to reduce road damage because our roads are going through a lot_” posted @onungeneeze, tagging the Nigerian Railway Corporation.
“How did Naija sink into this abyss in less than 15 years?” asked @THE_CRAFT3R.
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“The only road from the east to Lagos… a very busy road,” noted @DrOzitababy.
The Benin–Asaba Expressway is a major route linking the South-South, South-East, and South-West regions of Nigeria.
In March 2025, the Federal Government, through the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), flagged off the redevelopment of the 125-kilometre dual carriageway under a public-private partnership with Africa Plus Partners. The N200 billion project is expected to be completed within 30 months and will include solar-powered lighting, safety features, and improved road infrastructure.
Edo and Delta State governments have described the project as critical to regional connectivity and economic growth, with Delta announcing plans for two pedestrian walkovers at Summit and Koka in Asaba.
However, some political groups have accused the current administration of taking undue credit, claiming the concession deal was finalised under the previous government.
Despite these assurances, road users say immediate palliative work is still necessary to make the expressway safer while the larger reconstruction project is underway.