FG Begins Emergency Repairs on Benin-Asaba Highway, Moves to Ease Motorists’ Hardship
The Federal Government has commenced an emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Expressway under the Federal Ministry of Works’ “Operation Rescue” initiative, aimed at restoring safe and uninterrupted movement along the strategic corridor.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, announced the commencement of the intervention on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during the inauguration of “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Expressway” in Benin City, Edo State.
The intervention, which will be implemented directly by the Federal Ministry of Works through the deployment and hiring of equipment, is designed to address critically failed sections of the highway and provide immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses and communities along the route.
The Benin-Asaba Highway stretches approximately 125 kilometres, beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State.
According to the Ministry, the highway was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the immediate past administration, while the formal handover of the site was carried out by the present administration in March 2025.
However, the Ministry said the Independent Engineer for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, subsequently established that the concessionaire lacked the technical and financial capacity to execute the project.
The Independent Engineer consequently advised the Ministry to take urgent steps to prevent further deterioration of the road, reduce traffic gridlock, alleviate the hardship faced by motorists and protect the Federal Government from further embarrassment.
Umahi said he had personally monitored the concession project through several site visits and had, through the Independent Engineer, directed the concessionaire to comply with the Ministry’s standards and approved methodology.
He noted that the directives were not complied with, resulting in further deterioration of the highway and necessitating the Federal Government’s emergency intervention.
The Minister said the Ministry was determined to provide immediate relief to road users while working towards a sustainable engineering solution to the problems identified along the corridor.
He stressed that the intervention was being undertaken in the public interest, particularly to ensure that Nigerians do not continue to bear the consequences of the deteriorating road infrastructure.
“This is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users,” Umahi said.
He added that the “Operation Rescue” initiative was focused on immediate action, restoration of movement and protection of travellers and communities along the corridor.
“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,” the Minister stated.
Umahi called on motorists and residents along the corridor to cooperate with officials of the Ministry and traffic-management personnel throughout the emergency works.
He also urged motorists to exercise patience, obey traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones.
The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern for the welfare of Nigerians, reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to restoring the Benin-Asaba Expressway to a safe, functional and durable condition.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was commended for identifying with the concerns of motorists and communities during the August 2026 protest over the poor condition of the highway.
The Governor had reportedly dispatched his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and reassure affected communities and motorists of government’s intention to address the situation.
Okpebholo appreciated President Tinubu for the Federal Government’s intervention and commended the Minister of Works for his continued efforts towards improving road infrastructure across the country.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, also expressed appreciation for the immediate intervention on the strategic highway.
Anaogu described the intervention as a welcome development aimed at improving the lives of residents of Delta State and the general public.
A representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and praised Umahi for his efforts towards improving infrastructure and the welfare of Nigerians.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as timely, noting that the Benin-Asaba corridor plays a critical role in connecting communities and facilitating mobility, commerce and trade between Edo, Delta and other parts of the country.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders. Goodwill messages were also delivered by representatives of the Edo and Delta State governments, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Youth Leader of Ikpaba Hill Community and other stakeholders.
