The Federal Government has ordered a review of road concession agreements across Nigeria following the worsening gridlock and deteriorating condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
The directive was issued by Minister of Works David Umahi after he inspected the troubled highway, where motorists and commuters have endured prolonged delays and difficult travelling conditions.
Umahi expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), raising concerns about its technical capacity to execute the project. He also criticised the company for removing asphalt from sections of the road despite warnings from the Ministry of Works.
The minister said the expressway was not in its current state when it was handed over to the concessionaire. He warned that the Federal Government would take action against concessionaires whose operations threaten public infrastructure or put road users at risk.
As part of efforts to ease the crisis, the government plans to deploy competent contractors for emergency repairs and convene a stakeholders’ meeting to determine a lasting solution.
Umahi also apologised to commuters affected by the gridlock, noting that President Bola Tinubu had instructed the Ministry of Works to take urgent steps to resolve the situation.
The minister said the government was also reassessing the process used to award road concessions, emphasising the need to properly verify the technical competence of concessionaires before contracts are approved.
The Benin-Asaba Expressway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for reconstruction and expansion into a 10-lane highway. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2027, with the company expected to recover its investment through toll revenue and maintain the road for 25 years.
BAECC Chief Executive Officer Samuel Daramola attributed the challenges to persistent rainfall and heavy traffic. He said the company had expanded some portions of the road to eight lanes and undertaken palliative repairs but struggled to construct side drains because vehicles continued to use the highway.
However, project consultant representative Engineer Toyin Akinlapa alleged that BAECC failed to follow professional recommendations, particularly regarding drainage works.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, supported the review of the concession agreement and urged the government to implement immediate palliative measures to restore traffic flow.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also commended President Tinubu for his intervention, saying the Federal Government’s response demonstrated concern for motorists, commuters and residents affected by the prolonged gridlock.
