Umahi to Visit Benin-Asaba Road Over Gridlock, Deteriorating Condition

Minister of Works, David Umahi, says he will visit the Benin-Asaba Road on Tuesday to inspect its deteriorating condition, which has triggered protests, complaints and severe gridlock.

Umahi disclosed this during the flag-off of the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, saying he will meet independent engineers, the concessionaire and the Edo State Government to find an urgent solution.

The minister blamed the worsening state of the road on the Federal Government’s attempt to involve private companies in road development through concession arrangements.

Umahi alleged that the concessionaire removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the road but failed to complete the rehabilitation work, leaving motorists and travellers stranded.

The Benin-Agbor section has become a major concern, with motorists reportedly spending days in traffic and some travellers forced to sleep in their vehicles.

Umahi also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works will inspect the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti Road, where a collapsed section has caused severe congestion and left articulated vehicles stranded.