Tinubu orders redesign, reconstruction of Benin bypass, other roads

President Bola Tinubu has directed the redesign and total reconstruction of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road and other major federal highways in Edo State and surrounding regions, following widespread public complaints over the poor condition of the road, which has left travelers stranded for days. The road, which was handed over to the BAECC in 2025 for reconstruction and expansion from a four-lane to a 10-lane highway, has been plagued by delays and poor handling by the concessionaire.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed his disappointment with the concessionaire for manipulating the process to secure the contract and destroying public property. Umahi has apologized to commuters and taken full responsibility for the misdeed, instructing the Ministry of Works to arrest any concessionaire that removes asphalt from existing roads.

The President has ordered the redesign of all roads from Kogi to Warri and around Edo State, with concrete pavement, and a total reconstruction of the Benin-Asaba highway, rejecting palliative work as insufficient to resolve the issue. The BAECC CEO, Samuel Daramola, blamed heavy rainfall and heavy vehicular traffic for the slow pace of work and the difficulty in constructing side drains while keeping the road open to motorists.