By Sulyman Gobir
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 critical highway.
The Minister of Works,David Umahi, disclosed this on Thursday, during the inauguration of “Operation Rescue Benin–Asaba Expressway” in Benin City, Edo State.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations to the Ministry,Mohammed Ahmed explained that the 125-kilometre Benin–Asaba Highway stretches from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, to Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State.
The intervention, which involves the deployment of equipment and personnel through direct implementation by the Ministry, is designed to address severely deteriorated sections of the road and provide immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses and communities along the corridor.
According to the Ministry, the road 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 concessionaire had subsequently been found to lack the technical and financial capacity required to execute the project.
The assessment was made by the project’s Independent Engineer,Yolas Consultants Limited, which advised the Ministry to take urgent steps to prevent further deterioration of the road, reduce traffic gridlock and ease the hardship being experienced by motorists.
Umahi pointed out that he had personally monitored the concession project through several site visits and had instructed the concessionaire, through the Independent Engineer, to comply with the Ministry’s standards and approved methodology.
He stressed that the failure to comply with the directives contributed to the worsening condition of the road, necessitating the Ministry’s emergency intervention.
“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 restoring movement, protecting road users and communities, and addressing failed sections of the highway.
“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,” the Minister stated.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to restoring critical road infrastructure across the country and responding promptly to emergencies affecting Nigerians.
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was commended in the statement for his response to the road crisis during the August 2026 protest over the deteriorating condition of the highway.
The Governor had identified with the concerns of affected communities and motorists and dispatched his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and reassure stakeholders of remedial action.
Speaking at the inauguration, Okpebholo appreciated President Tinubu for the intervention and commended the Minister of Works for his commitment to improving road infrastructure across the country.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, also expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s immediate response.
Anaogu described the intervention as a welcome development aimed at improving the lives of residents of Delta State and members of the travelling public.
A representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) equally commended President Tinubu for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and praised the Minister of Works for his efforts toward improving infrastructure in the zone.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the intervention as timely.
She said the Benin–Asaba corridor was critical to transportation, commerce and trade, connecting communities in Edo and Delta States with other parts of the country.
She stressed that the importance of restoring the highway to good condition could not be overstated.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and stakeholders, including 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.
The goodwill messages at the event reflected support for the Federal Government’s emergency response to the deteriorating condition of the highway.
