Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced plans to visit the troubled Benin-Asaba Road on Tuesday as concerns mount over the worsening condition of the federal highway and the severe traffic congestion it has caused.
Umahi disclosed this during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, according to a video released on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
The minister said the visit would involve discussions with independent engineers, the concessionaire responsible for the road and the Edo State Government on measures to address 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 condition of the road to the Federal Government’s efforts to bring private investors into 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 highway without completing the rehabilitation work.
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,” he said.
According to the minister, the engagement will involve independent engineers, the concessionaire, ministry lawyers and officials of the Edo State Government.
“So, there’s going to be a robust engagement, even with the governor of Edo State,” he added.
The planned inspection follows growing protests and complaints over the Benin-Agbor section of the highway, with residents, motorists and transport operators expressing frustration over prolonged traffic jams and the deteriorating road surface.
The situation has reportedly left motorists and other travellers stranded for extended periods, while videos circulating online have shown vehicles trapped in traffic and some travellers spending nights inside their vehicles.
Umahi also announced that the Minister of State for Works would inspect the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti Road, where part of the federal highway has reportedly collapsed, resulting in heavy congestion and stranded articulated vehicles.
He said President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry in 2024 to take over the project after inspecting its condition, adding that the road had subsequently been redesigned.
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.