By Niger Delta Herald
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has apologised to commuters, residents and businesses in Edo and Delta states over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has subjected motorists and other road users to severe hardship.
Umahi also ordered the immediate arrest of any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from existing federal roads without proper authorisation, describing the practice as a destruction of public infrastructure.
The minister gave the directive on Tuesday during an inspection of major federal roads in Edo State, where he expressed deep disappointment over the condition of the Benin-Sapele and Benin-Agbor-Asaba corridors.
He said the Federal Government was concerned about the hardship being experienced by commuters and was determined to take urgent measures to restore the affected roads and ease traffic difficulties.
Umahi specifically apologised to the people of Edo and Delta states, as well as other Nigerians who use the highway.
He said: “I am very, very disappointed with this concessionaire. I offer apologies. I take full responsibility for the misdeed and for the destruction of public assets.”
The minister accused the concessionaire handling the project of lacking the technical competence, personnel and appropriate methodology required to execute the road rehabilitation effectively.
According to him, the road was in a better condition before it was handed over to the concessionaire.
Umahi disclosed that he had personally witnessed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection conducted with the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and had directed the contractor to stop the practice.
He said the Ministry of Works had repeatedly warned against the unauthorised removal of asphalt from federal roads, insisting that such action was contrary to government policy and amounted to the destruction of public assets.
The minister consequently directed Federal Controllers of Works across the country to ensure that any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt without approval was arrested.
“The Ministry of Works does not allow anybody to remove asphalt on the road. That is against the policies of the Ministry of Works,” Umahi said.
He further questioned the technical capacity and competence of the concessionaire handling the project, saying the Federal Government must ensure that companies awarded major road concessions possess the required expertise and integrity.
Umahi said the poor handling of the project had resulted in unnecessary suffering for commuters, residents and businesses along the corridor.
He, however, assured road users that the Federal Government would not allow the situation to continue indefinitely.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu was aware of the hardship caused by the condition of the road and had directed the Ministry of Works to do everything possible to restore the highway and provide relief to motorists.
He explained that although concession agreements were governed by legal and contractual provisions, the Federal Government could invoke overriding public interest where necessary to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.
Umahi also said the Federal Government would prioritise emergency intervention on the road while working towards a more permanent solution.
The minister commended youths in Edo State for remaining calm despite the prolonged hardship caused by the condition of the highway.
He said their restraint had helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order, particularly given the frustration experienced by motorists and residents.
Umahi also praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for his intervention in the rehabilitation of federal roads across Edo State and for his commitment to infrastructure development.
Responding, Governor Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in communities along the affected routes to remain patient and exercise restraint while the Federal Government works to address the situation.
The governor recalled the poor condition of the Benin-Ekpoma Road and said President Tinubu had responded to his appeal for the reconstruction of the road.
Okpebholo stressed the strategic importance of Edo State as a gateway linking several parts of the country, warning that prolonged disruption of movement could have wider economic and security consequences.
Concessionaire blames heavy rains
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Mr Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of construction to heavy rainfall and other challenges associated with working on the busy highway.
Daramola said the company had embarked on palliative measures to keep traffic moving while construction continued.
He explained that one of the company’s initial interventions after taking over the Benin-Agbor Road was to expand sections of the highway and address the numerous potholes affecting motorists.
According to him, the company commenced palliative works because of the extent of deterioration on the road and the need to create temporary access for commuters.
The Federal Government’s latest intervention comes amid growing concerns over the condition of the Benin-Sapele-Warri corridor, a major transport route connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people and goods between Edo and Delta states.
The development has heightened calls for urgent action to prevent further economic losses and reduce the risks faced daily by motorists and commuters using the highway.
Niger Delta Herald reported that the Federal Government is also considering a review of concessioned roads across the country to ensure that concessionaires comply with contractual obligations and that road projects serve the public interest.
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