By Onomiguren Agbamu
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has welcomed the Federal Government’s emergency intervention on the Benin-Asaba Road, describing the move as a significant step towards restoring one of the region’s key economic corridors.
The governor, who spoke through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, at the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” exercise in Benin City on Thursday, said the poor condition of the highway had caused considerable hardship for motorists, commuters and businesses.
Aniagwu described the Benin-Asaba Road as a vital link between Edo and Delta states and a major route connecting the South-South and South-East regions. He attributed the deterioration of the road largely to the failure of the concessionaire to meet the obligations of the concession agreement.
“We are therefore delighted that the Federal Government has today deemed it fit to give life back to this important road corridor, which connects not only the commercial centres of the South-East but also the burgeoning business centres in Delta and Edo states,” he said.
The commissioner commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for the intervention, urging the Federal Government and contractors to accelerate the rehabilitation work.
“We look forward to seeing the work commence in earnest and to having this important road restored to a standard that will ease the movement of people and goods, revive commercial activities and improve the economic fortunes of our people,” Aniagwu said.
He also highlighted Delta State’s collaboration with the Federal Government on the rehabilitation of federal roads, citing the state’s intervention on the Warri-Sapele Road.
According to him, the state constructed the section from the U-turn at the Spare Parts Market to Ohore Junction using concrete rigid pavement.
Aniagwu assured that Delta State would continue to support efforts aimed at addressing critical infrastructure challenges. He also commended the Minister of Works for the intervention on the First Niger Bridge, expressing optimism that the bridge would reopen after the completion of major rehabilitation works.
Speaking at the event, Umahi explained that the emergency rehabilitation was not awarded as a conventional contract. Instead, equipment hired from contractors operating along the corridor, including Hi-Tech, CCECC and CBC, would be deployed for the intervention.
He said the temporary repairs were expected to restore the road within four weeks, while President Tinubu had directed the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement as part of a long-term reconstruction plan.
Umahi further disclosed that the Federal Government had offered the concessionaire three options to continue with the project, but none was successful, leading the ministry to intervene in the public interest.
The minister also alleged that the concessionaire lacked the engineering and financial capacity required to execute the project and had breached provisions of the concession agreement.
He said the emergency works would begin from the Edo axis, with particular attention to the Benin Bypass. Supervising engineers would also be deployed to various sections of the road to monitor the project and ensure compliance with required standards.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for ordering the intervention and called on those handling the project to ensure quality workmanship, adherence to specifications and timely completion.
The Benin-Asaba Road is a major transportation corridor linking the South-South and South-East regions with other parts of the country. Its deteriorating condition, including failed sections and severe gridlock, has in recent months disrupted the movement of people and goods.
The emergency rehabilitation is expected to provide immediate relief to road users while the proposed redesign and long-term reconstruction of the corridor are pursued.
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