The Federal Government is considering a review of the concession agreement for the Benin-Asaba Expressway following widespread complaints over the deteriorating condition of the highway.
Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, disclosed this during an inspection of the highway in Benin, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of the project by the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC).
Umahi accused the concessionaire of poor technical handling, particularly for removing sections of existing asphalt before adequate drainage infrastructure was provided. He said the government had previously warned against the action and directed ministry officials to arrest any contractor or concessionaire found removing road asphalt without approval.
The minister apologised to Nigerians for the hardship caused by the condition of the highway and said the Federal Government would invoke the public interest provision of the concession arrangement if necessary. He added that competent contractors would be engaged to restore failed sections, while government would seek additional intervention around the Asaba axis.
Umahi also said the Federal Government was considering the redesign and reconstruction of major roads from Kogi to Warri and around Edo State, with concrete pavement being considered for the projects. He commended Edo Gov. Monday Okpebholo for intervening on federal roads in the state.
The BAECC CEO, Samuel Daramola, attributed delays partly to heavy rainfall and traffic, while the project consultant’s representative, Toyin Akinlapa, said the concessionaire had been advised to construct drainage before removing the existing asphalt. The House Committee on Works also called for a review of the concession agreement to ensure road users are not left to suffer from poor project delivery.
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