The Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC) has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Onwodi as its new Chief Operating Officer. Onwodi, a seasoned public-private partnership and infrastructure specialist, will oversee the operational execution of the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession. With over 25 years of experience in infrastructure development, concession management, and project finance, Onwodi is well-equipped to drive the project's progress. His appointment was announced in a statement from the firm.
Dr. Onwodi's extensive background includes 14 years of senior roles at the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission. He rose to director-level positions covering transport infrastructure, planning, research, and statistics, and special projects. Onwodi has participated in the development, review, and implementation of PPP and infrastructure initiatives across various sectors, including roads, railways, ports, aviation, energy, and real estate. His expertise in concession arrangements, project finance, and risk management will be invaluable to the Benin-Asaba Expressway project.
As COO, Onwodi will be responsible for coordinating key stakeholders and supporting the implementation of the concession company's objectives. His mandate includes promoting operational efficiency and strengthening cooperation among government institutions, investors, contractors, lenders, communities, and other stakeholders involved in the project. Onwodi's experience in infrastructure finance includes transactions designed to mobilise private capital for public projects, including a transaction that attracted over N41bn in private investment.
The Benin-Asaba Expressway is being developed under a public-private partnership concession, connecting Edo and Delta states and facilitating the movement of people and goods between major parts of southern Nigeria. Onwodi holds a Ph.D. in Risk Management in Public-Private Partnerships, an M.Sc. in Risk Management from Birmingham City University, UK, and a B.A. in International Accounting from the University of Northampton, UK. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Onwodi is also a Certified Public-Private Partnership Professional, Chartered Financial Consultant, and Chartered Management Consultant. He currently serves as Director of Programme and Capacity Building for the PPP Practitioners Association of Nigeria and is Branch Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Abuja. Commenting on his appointment, Onwodi stated that infrastructure is the bridge between vision and prosperity, and that balanced risk, transparent partnership, and rigorous execution are essential in turning concession agreements into lasting public value.
The Benin-Asaba Expressway project is a significant development in Nigeria's infrastructure landscape. With Onwodi at the helm, the project is expected to move forward with renewed momentum. Onwodi's extensive experience and expertise in infrastructure development and concession management make him an ideal candidate for the role. His appointment is seen as a positive step towards the successful completion of the project.
The project's progress will be closely watched by stakeholders, including government institutions, investors, and the general public. With Onwodi's leadership, the Benin-Asaba Expressway concession is expected to set a new standard for public-private partnerships in Nigeria's infrastructure sector. The project's success will depend on effective collaboration among all stakeholders, and Onwodi's expertise in this area will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and efficient project execution.
Key points
- Dr. Emmanuel Onwodi has been appointed as COO of BAECC to drive the Benin-Asaba road project.
- Onwodi brings over 25 years of experience in infrastructure development, concession management, and project finance.
- The Benin-Asaba Expressway is being developed under a public-private partnership concession, connecting Edo and Delta states in Nigeria.
