The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologized to commuters and residents of Edo and Delta states over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has caused hardship for road users.
Umahi also ordered the arrest of contractors, concessionaires and others found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorization.
The minister issued the directive on Tuesday in Benin during an inspection of major roads across Edo State.
He commended youths in the state for remaining calm despite the hardship caused by the deteriorating road, saying their restraint had helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Umahi expressed disappointment with the concessionaire handling the road, accusing the company of lacking the technical capacity required to execute the project effectively.
He said he had personally witnessed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection with the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and directed the contractor to stop the practice.
According to him, the Ministry of Works does not permit contractors to remove asphalt from federal roads without approval, describing the practice as “destruction of public infrastructure.”
He consequently directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorization.
The minister further criticized the concessionaire’s handling of the project, alleging that its inadequate technical capacity had subjected commuters and residents to unnecessary hardship.
He said the Federal Government had a responsibility to ensure that companies awarded road projects possessed the required technical competence.
Umahi added that President Bola Tinubu had taken note of the suffering of road users and directed the Ministry of Works to take all necessary measures to restore the road and alleviate the hardship.
He explained that while concession agreements were governed by law, the government could invoke overriding public interest when necessary to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.
The minister reiterated his apology to commuters, residents of Edo and Delta states, and other road users affected by the condition of the road.
He assured them that immediate rehabilitation would commence to provide relief, in line with the President’s directive, stressing that the government would prioritize the welfare and safety of citizens.
Umahi also commended Governor Okpebholo for his commitment to infrastructure development and intervention in the rehabilitation of federal roads across Edo.
Responding, Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in affected communities to remain patient and exercise restraint.
The governor recalled the poor condition of the Benin-Ekpoma Road, saying Tinubu had promised to reconstruct it after their meeting and had fulfilled the commitment.
He said Edo’s strategic location made it a gateway to several parts of the country, warning that unrest in the state could have wider consequences for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Mr Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of work to heavy rainfall, saying the company had resorted to palliative measures to keep traffic moving.
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Daramola said one of the first steps the company took after taking over the Benin-Agbor Road was to expand it.
He added that the company initially embarked on palliative works because of the numerous potholes on the road, with the aim of improving access for commuters.
