Minister of Works David Umahi has directed the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to repair damaged sections of the Benin-Asaba Highway in Delta State within 14 days, following severe gridlock and mounting public hardship. Mr. Umahi issued the directive during an inspection of the Asaba axis of the Second Niger Bridge access road. The minister expressed deep concern over deteriorating conditions around Ubulu-Okiti and Onicha-Ugbo, where motorists and passengers have faced severe delays.
David Umahi Issues 14-Day Ultimatum for Benin-Asaba Highway Repairs
Reports detail extensive travel disruptions along the corridor, with some motorists spending days trapped in traffic due to failed sections, gridlock, and diversions. One driver reported spending three days on the road after reaching Benin from Lagos, while another remained stranded for two nights at Agbor after leaving Lagos on August 20. A passenger traveling with her young son recounted sleeping in a bus at Agbor for two nights because she could not afford hotel accommodation, as businesses along the corridor suffered from the restricted movement.
Specific Directives and Emergency Interventions
During the inspection, Mr. Umahi specifically instructed CCECC to rehabilitate service lanes where asphalt had been removed during construction activities (Premium Times). Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the minister stated: I am giving you 14 days to fix the access, the service lane you removed the asphalt. You have to fix it immediately, whether you are paid or not. It is my right to insist that you fix it to lessen the problem of the people
.
In addition to the service lanes, the minister ordered an emergency intervention on approximately four kilometers of dual carriageway. This includes critical work on sections between Chainage 103 and 105, as well as between Chainage 106 and 107. Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information Charles Aniagwu, representing Governor Sheriff Oborevl-Wori during the visit, commended the federal intervention for aiming to ease movement and support economic activities.
Second Niger Bridge Access Project Status
Alongside the immediate repair directives, Mr. Umahi reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the N148 billion Second Niger Bridge access project executed by CCECC. He noted that the infrastructure remains critical due to the vulnerability and age of the First Niger Bridge, which has been in service for more than six decades. According to the minister, the access project has achieved 4.47 kilometres of dual carriageway, representing 26.7 per cent completion.
Wider Concession Challenges and Official Reactions
The latest directives unfold against a backdrop of broader administrative friction concerning the entire 125-kilometre highway, which runs from the AIF Roundabout in Benin City to Summit Junction in Asaba. The Federal Executive Council originally approved the concession of the highway on January 16, 2023, under a 25-year Design, Finance, Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement with the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC), with the agreement executed on May 23, 2023.
However, tensions escalated when Mr. Umahi ordered BAECC to vacate the project site during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Edo State Government House in Benin City, citing a lack of progress and unprofessional conduct (PM News Nigeria). Flanked by Senate Committee on Works Chairman Senator Allwell Onyesoh and House Committee on Works Chairman Akin Alabi, the minister criticized the removal of smooth asphalt as “negative work.” Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo also voiced disappointment, stating that little had been achieved after 16 months. Responding to the directive, BAECC Head of Legal and Compliance Peterson Fabian appealed for more time for stakeholder engagement.
