Umahi to inspect Benin-Asaba road over worsening gridlock

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The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has said he will visit the Benin-Asaba road on Tuesday following widespread complaints, protests and severe gridlock caused by the deteriorating condition of the federal highway.

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Umahi disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, according to a video shared on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.

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The minister said he would meet with independent engineers, the concessionaire handling the project and the state government to find a solution to the worsening situation.

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“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.

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He explained that the poor state of the road was linked to the Federal Government’s attempt to involve the private sector in road development through concession arrangements.

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“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.

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Umahi alleged that the concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road without completing the expected rehabilitation.

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“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.

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The minister said he would engage the independent engineers, the concessionaire and the ministry’s lawyers, while also holding discussions with the Edo State Government.

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“So, there’s going to be a robust engagement, even with the governor of Edo State,” he added.

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The planned visit comes amid mounting complaints over the Benin-Agbor section of the highway, where residents, motorists and transport workers have staged protests over prolonged gridlock and the poor condition of the road.n

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The deteriorating road has reportedly left motorists and travellers stranded for days, with videos circulating online showing motorists stuck in traffic and some travellers spending nights in their vehicles.

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Umahi also disclosed that his Minister of State would visit the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti road, where a section of the federal highway has also reportedly collapsed, causing severe traffic congestion and leaving articulated vehicles stranded.

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He said President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry in 2024 to take over the project after inspecting its condition, adding that the road had since been redesigned.

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“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.

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