FG blames concessionaire for Benin-Asaba road failure, plans concession review

The Federal Government has accused the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) of poor management and lacking technical competence for the poor condition of the highway. Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, stated this during an inspection of the highway in Benin. Umahi plans to invoke the overriding public interest provision to intervene and engage competent contractors to restore the highway and alleviate the suffering of motorists and other road users.

He criticized BAECC for removing existing asphalt without constructing drainage infrastructure, describing it as destruction of public property and directing ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire doing so without approval. Umahi apologized to Nigerians for the hardship caused by the highway’s condition.

The government will consider reviewing the concession agreement, and BAECC CEO, Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow progress to heavy rainfall and traffic. The highway has faced widespread complaints, with motorists reportedly trapped for days due to failed sections. The Federal Government is also reviewing major roads around Edo State for reconstruction with concrete pavement and urging governors to support the effort in addressing critical road infrastructure.