Minister of Works David Umahi has directed the concessionaire handling the Benin-Asaba highway to quit the project, citing poor execution and its failure to add value to the road.
Umahi gave the directive on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Edo State Government House in Benin, following days of severe gridlock and hardship for motorists along the highway.
He asked the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) to formally write the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works to facilitate termination of the concession.
The minister also ordered the immediate removal of blockages on the highway to restore free movement of traffic. He said any asphalt removed contrary to the project specifications would not be recognized as work done, while the cost of repairing the damage would be assessed.
Umahi further directed that affected sections be reconstructed under the supervision of the independent engineer. He also ordered the concessionaire to provide a technical design for proper stormwater drainage, restore damaged asphalt, and redirect water flowing onto the carriageway.
The minister had earlier accused BAECC of lacking the technical capacity to execute the project, particularly after existing asphalt was removed without adequate drainage work.
The company’s Head of Legal and Compliance, Peterson Fabian, appealed for more time, saying stakeholders should allow further discussions to find a suitable solution.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo expressed disappointment over the condition of the road, describing the situation as a waste of resources and a major source of suffering for residents and commuters.
The Federal Government has also announced plans to review concession agreements on major roads following the crisis on the Benin-Asaba highway.
