Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced plans to inspect the troubled Benin-Asaba Road on Tuesday following mounting complaints over the deteriorating condition of the highway and worsening traffic congestion.
Umahi made the disclosure during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road. His remarks were contained in a video shared by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.
The minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would work towards resolving the crisis affecting the major highway.
“Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we’ll solve that problem,” Umahi said.
According to the minister, he is expected to meet with independent engineers, the concessionaire handling the project, representatives of the Ministry of Works and the Edo State Government to determine how to address the situation.
Umahi attributed the current state of the road to challenges surrounding the Federal Government’s efforts to involve private-sector operators in road development through concession arrangements.
He alleged that the concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the highway but failed to complete the rehabilitation work, leaving motorists and residents to bear the consequences.
The planned inspection comes amid growing frustration along the Benin-Agbor section of the highway, where motorists, residents and transport operators have reportedly staged protests over prolonged traffic congestion and the poor state of the road.
The situation has reportedly resulted in travellers being stranded for extended periods, while videos circulating online have shown long queues of vehicles trapped in gridlock, with some travellers allegedly spending nights in their vehicles.
Umahi also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works would inspect the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti Road, where part of the federal highway has reportedly collapsed, causing significant traffic disruption and leaving several articulated vehicles stranded.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu directed the Ministry of Works in 2024 to take over the project following an assessment of its condition. The minister added that the road had subsequently been redesigned.
Umahi said a report from the inspection would be presented to President Tinubu as the government continues efforts to address critical road infrastructure challenges across the country.
The Benin-Asaba Road remains an important transport corridor linking parts of Edo and Delta states, making the resolution of the ongoing traffic and infrastructure problems a major concern for commuters, businesses and transport operators.
