The Federal Government has ordered a review of road concession agreements across Nigeria following the worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, which has left motorists and commuters stranded in prolonged gridlock.
Minister of Works David Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday after inspecting the troubled highway. He expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), questioning its technical competence to execute the project.
Umahi faulted the concessionaire for removing existing asphalt on parts of the highway despite warnings from the Ministry of Works. He said the action contributed significantly to the deterioration of the road.
The minister said the road was not in its current condition when it was handed over to the concessionaire, adding that the company could have faced arrest for destroying public property.
He warned that the Federal Government would take action against concessionaires whose activities put public infrastructure and road users at risk.
Emergency Repairs Ordered
Umahi said the government would engage competent contractors to carry out emergency repairs and restore the affected sections to a motorable condition.
He also announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting to determine the way forward and apologised to commuters who had been stranded by the gridlock.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu had directed the Ministry of Works to do everything possible to resolve the crisis.
The minister further said the government was reviewing how road concessions were awarded, stressing that the competence of concessionaires must be properly established before contracts are granted.
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 concessionaire expected to recover its investment through tolling and maintain the road for 25 years.
Concessionaire, Consultant Give Different Accounts
BAECC Chief Executive Officer Samuel Daramola attributed the difficulties to persistent rainfall and heavy traffic on the highway.
Daramola said the company had expanded some sections to eight lanes and undertaken palliative works, but struggled to construct side drains because vehicles continued to use the road.
He added that some completed sections had to be reopened before they had fully cured to ease traffic, resulting in repeated construction work.
However, the project’s consultant representative, Engineer Toyin Akinlapa, alleged that BAECC failed to follow professional advice, particularly regarding drainage.
Akinlapa said the concessionaire had been advised to construct the drains before proceeding with other aspects of the project but did not follow the recommendation.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, backed a review of the concession agreement, saying Nigerians should not be subjected to hardship because of poorly managed concession arrangements.
He also called for immediate palliative measures to restore movement on the highway.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo commended President Tinubu for intervening, saying the Federal Government’s response demonstrated concern for motorists and residents affected by the prolonged gridlock.
