Umahi Orders Concessionaire Off Benin-Asaba Road Over Poor Performance

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the removal of the concessionaire handling the Benin-Asaba Highway from the project site, accusing the company of failing to add value to the road’s development.

Umahi issued the directive on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, following complaints over the deteriorating condition of the 125-kilometre highway and the hardship faced by motorists.

The minister rejected explanations from the Managing Director of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), Samuel Daramola, who attributed the challenges to heavy traffic and unusually high rainfall along the corridor.

Umahi described the explanations as “unprofessional and untenable excuses” and apologised to Nigerians for the difficulties caused by the road’s condition.

He directed the Federal Ministry of Works to obtain measurements of completed works from the independent engineer, excluding what he described as “negative work.”

According to him, removing asphalt from existing carriageways contrary to contractual specifications amounts to negative work. He consequently directed Federal Controllers of Works and Engineering Representatives to arrest any contractor found removing asphalt from an existing road.

To reduce the worsening traffic situation, Umahi said a competent contractor would be engaged immediately to rehabilitate the most damaged sections.

He also assured motorists that President Bola Tinubu was aware of their difficulties and “feels their pains.”

The Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh and Hon. Akin Alabi, described the situation as unacceptable and pledged to support a nationwide review of road concession agreements to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.

Governor Monday Okpebholo appealed for patience, while the Presidential Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement, South-South, Gift Johnbull, said the President had directed that solutions be found.

The Benin-Asaba Highway stretches from AIF Roundabout in Benin City to Summit Junction in Asaba and serves as a major link between the South-East, South-South and parts of the South-West.

The Federal Executive Council approved its concession to BAECC in January 2023 under a 25-year Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement. The agreement was signed in May 2023, while construction commenced after the project was handed over in March 2025.

During the inspection, Umahi also assessed sections of the Benin-Sapele-Warri Road. A 23-kilometre portion handled by CBC Global is reportedly 75 per cent complete, while a 10-kilometre section being executed by CCECC is 25 per cent complete.

NDDC Managing Director Samuel Ogbuku pledged to reconstruct a failed 15.4-kilometre stretch between the Edo and Delta border, prompting Umahi to direct the NDDC and Federal Government teams to coordinate their efforts.