Benin-Asaba Gridlock: Umahi Storms Troubled Road, Promises Urgent Solution

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced plans to visit the troubled Benin-Asaba road on Tuesday following mounting complaints, protests and severe traffic congestion caused by the deteriorating condition of the federal highway.

Umahi made this known during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, with his media aide, Francis Nwaze, sharing a video of the minister’s remarks on Monday.

The minister said the visit would involve consultations with independent engineers, the concessionaire responsible for the road project and the Edo State Government, with the aim of finding an urgent solution to the worsening situation.

Umahi assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would take steps to address the crisis during the visit, amid growing frustration among motorists, residents and transport operators affected by the prolonged gridlock.

According to the minister, the road’s current condition is connected to the Federal Government’s efforts to encourage private-sector participation in road development through concession arrangements.

He alleged that the concessionaire working on the project had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt but failed to complete the rehabilitation work, leaving motorists and travellers to bear the consequences.

Umahi said he would engage the independent engineers, the concessionaire, ministry lawyers and officials of the Edo State Government as part of what he described as a robust engagement aimed at resolving the situation.

The planned inspection comes as protests and public complaints continue to intensify over the Benin-Agbor section of the highway. The poor condition of the road has reportedly resulted in prolonged traffic congestion, with some motorists and travellers allegedly spending hours and, in some cases, nights trapped in gridlock.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Works is expected to inspect the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti road, where a collapsed section of the federal highway has also caused serious traffic congestion and left several articulated vehicles stranded.

Umahi explained that President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry in 2024 to take over the project after an assessment of its condition. He added that the road had subsequently been redesigned, with a report expected to be presented to the President after the planned inspection.