By Jethro Ibileke
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has sharply criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company, BAECC, over what he described as the poor handling of the Benin-Asaba highway.
Umahi made the remarks during an on-the-spot assessment of the road in Benin City, accusing the concessionaire of lacking technical competence to execute a major highway project.
The minister was particularly angered by the removal of existing asphalt without the construction of adequate side drains before work commenced, saying the action had worsened the condition of the road.
His assessment followed mounting complaints over the deplorable state of the highway, with motorists reportedly stranded for days at different failed portions.
The Benin-Asaba highway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for transformation into a 10-lane expressway. In October 2025, the concessionaire assured the project would be completed within the agreed timeframe.
Umahi who said the manner of handling the project had raised serious concerns, threatened to arrest the contractor for destroying public property.
“The concessionaire should have been arrested for allegedly destroying public property. The Ministry of Works did not authorise the removal of asphalt from the existing road,” he said.
“The Ministry of Works does not allow removal of asphalt. We begged them not to remove it. This road was not like this when it was handed over. I am instructing the ministry to arrest any concessionaire that removes asphalt from existing roads,” Umahi added.
The minister also took responsibility for the ministry’s oversight.
“I am disappointed with the concessionaire. I take full responsibility for their misdeed and destruction of public assets,” he said.
Addressing BAECC CEO, Samuel Daramola, Umahi accused the company of manipulating the concession process and questioned its capacity.
“You have no knowledge of road construction. You don’t know what you are doing. You have no technical staff or competence. The President has directed us to do whatever is possible to fix this road,” he said.
Umahi blamed the government for failing to properly scrutinise concessionaires, warning that allowing inexperienced contractors to “learn on major public roads” endangered road users.
“This is dangerous. This is provocation at its highest level. It is a pity when people cannot pass the road,” he said.
The minister disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed the redesign of roads from Kogi through Edo to Warri, with concrete pavement being considered.
“We need total reconstruction of this road and not this palliative” he added.
Responding, Daramola who blamed heavy rainfall and traffic volume for the slow pace, said BAECC had expanded portions to eight lanes and done palliative works, but was forced to reopen sections before materials cured due to pressure from motorists.
“We are wrestling with the weather. We have to choose between doing side drains and combating heavy traffic. We are compelled to open the road when it is yet to cure,” Daramola said.
House of Representatives Committee on Works Chairman, Hon. Akin Alabi, called for a review of the concession agreement.
“We cannot afford concessionaires who can be giving us issues. The people want to see good roads,” he said.
Project Consultant, Engr. Toyin Akilapa, said BAECC ignored professional advice to construct drainage first.
“We told them to first do the drains but they ignored us and that affected the road,” he said.
Senator Allwell Onyeso described the road condition as “despicable”.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was present, commended President Tinubu for responding to concerns on the road and urged residents to disregard “opposition narratives on social media.”
He also commended the governor for intervening on several federal roads in the state.
