The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has initiated the Federal Government's emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Highway under the "Operation Rescue" initiative. This effort aims to restore safe, smooth, and uninterrupted movement along the critical corridor. The intervention involves hiring equipment and direct implementation to address the severe deterioration of sections of the road and bring immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses, and affected communities.
The Benin-Asaba Highway is a strategic federal highway spanning 125km from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, to Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State. Although it was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) in March 2025, the concessionaire has been found to lack the technical and financial capacity to execute the project. An Independent Engineer (IE) for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, advised the Ministry to take urgent steps to prevent further deterioration and gridlock.
Minister Umahi has been personally monitoring the implementation of the concession project through site visits and issued instructions via the IE for the concessionaire to adhere to the Ministry's standards and methodology. However, the concessionaire failed to comply, leading to worsening road conditions. The Ministry's intervention aims to alleviate the hardship experienced by road users and communities along the corridor.
The emergency intervention focuses on achieving immediate traffic relief while providing a sustainable engineering solution to identified problem spots. The intervention is driven by the need to protect public interest and ensure that Nigerians using the road are not left to bear the consequences of deteriorating infrastructure occasioned by the lapses of the concessionaire. Umahi emphasized that this is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is committed to restoring critical road infrastructure across the country and ensuring that emergencies receive prompt and decisive attention. "Operation Rescue" aims to address the failed sections and provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years. The Minister called on road users and people along the corridor to cooperate with the Ministry's officials and traffic management personnel as emergency works commence.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, have expressed gratitude for the Federal Government's prompt and decisive intervention. Okpebholo appreciated President Tinubu for his concern for the well-being of citizens, while Oborevwori noted that the intervention is a well-desired action to better the lives of the people of Delta State and the general public.
The occasion was graced by dignitaries, including Deputy Governors of Edo and Delta States, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, and other stakeholders, who unanimously eulogized the Federal Government's proactive response. The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) also commended the President and the Minister for their commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and the welfare of Nigerians.
Key points
- The Federal Government has launched an emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Expressway to address severe deterioration and restore safe movement.
- The intervention, under the "Operation Rescue" initiative, aims to provide immediate traffic relief and a sustainable engineering solution.
- The concessionaire, Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), was found to lack the technical and financial capacity to execute the project.
