Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has welcomed the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road, describing the repairs as an important step towards restoring the major economic corridor linking Edo and Delta states.
Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, spoke on Thursday during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” exercise in Benin City.
Key Highlights
- Oborevwori welcomed the Federal Government’s emergency repairs of the Benin-Asaba Road.
- The emergency intervention is expected to restore damaged sections and ease traffic congestion.
- Works Minister David Umahi said the immediate intervention is expected to take about four weeks.
- The Federal Government plans to redesign the entire 136-kilometre road for long-term reconstruction.
- Umahi said the redesigned highway would use reinforced concrete pavement.
- Delta and Edo governments urged contractors to maintain quality and complete the emergency works on schedule.
Oborevwori Welcomes Benin-Asaba Road Repairs
Aniagwu said the poor condition of the highway had subjected motorists, commuters and businesses to prolonged hardship.
He described the Benin-Asaba Road as a major transportation artery connecting communities and commercial centres across the South-South and South-East regions.
According to him, the deterioration of the road was largely linked to the failure of the concessionaire to meet the objectives of the concession agreement.
“We are therefore delighted that the Federal Government has today deemed it fit to give life back to this important road corridor, which connects not only the commercial centres of the South-East but also the burgeoning business centres in Delta and Edo states,” he said.
Aniagwu commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for the intervention and urged the Federal Government and contractors to accelerate the emergency works. He said the restoration of the road would ease the movement of people and goods, support commercial activities and improve economic activity along the corridor.
Delta Highlights Intervention On Federal Roads
Aniagwu also highlighted Delta State’s collaboration with the Federal Government on federal roads.
He cited the state’s intervention on the Warri-Sapele Road, where the government constructed the section from the U-turn at the Spare Parts Market to Ohore Junction using concrete rigid pavement.
The commissioner said Delta would continue to support efforts aimed at addressing critical infrastructure challenges. He also commended Umahi for the ongoing rehabilitation of the First Niger Bridge and expressed optimism that the bridge would reopen after the completion of major rehabilitation works.
Read also:
- Tinubu Orders Intervention On Benin-Asaba Road, Vows To End Commuters’ Hardship
- First Niger Bridge Reopening Delayed Until Major Repairs Are Completed, Umahi Says
Umahi Explains Emergency Benin-Asaba Road Intervention
Speaking at the event, Umahi said the emergency rehabilitation was not being executed as a conventional contract.
He said the Federal Government had deployed equipment hired from contractors operating along the corridor, including Hi-Tech, CCECC and CBC. According to Umahi, the temporary intervention is expected to restore critical sections of the road within four weeks.
He added that President Tinubu had directed the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement as part of a long-term reconstruction plan.
FG Gives Concessionaire Options
Umahi said the Federal Government had offered the concessionaire three options to continue with the project, but none of the options was successful, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene in the public interest.
He also alleged that the concessionaire lacked the engineering and financial capacity required to execute the project and had breached provisions of the concession agreement.
The minister said emergency works would begin from the Edo axis, with particular attention to the Benin Bypass, adding that supervising engineers would be deployed to different sections of the road to monitor the project and ensure compliance with required standards.
Edo Governor Urges Quality Work
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, thanked President Tinubu for ordering the emergency intervention.
Okpebholo urged those handling the project to ensure quality, comply with specifications and complete the work within the expected timeframe.
The Benin-Asaba Road is a major transportation corridor connecting the South-South and South-East with other parts of Nigeria. The highway has experienced deteriorating sections and severe traffic congestion in recent months, affecting the movement of people and goods.
The emergency intervention is expected to provide short-term relief to motorists while the Federal Government proceeds with plans for the redesign and long-term reconstruction of the corridor.
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