The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it will take all necessary steps to end the prolonged suffering of motorists and other road users along the deplorable Benin–Asaba Road.
The Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, gave the assurance while inspecting Phase 2B of the Second Niger Bridge at the Nkwerre–Ezunaka section of the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway.
Speaking through a statement released by his media team, the Minister explained that while the present administration inherited the concession agreement covering the Benin–Asaba Road from the previous government, the arrangement would not stop the Federal Government from protecting the overriding public interest.
Umahi stated that the Ministry of Works is closely monitoring the concessionaire, Africa Plus Partners Ltd, and has already issued a formal notice of default over the poor condition of the corridor.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government had also explored alternative solutions, including offering about seven contractors the opportunity to intervene and carry out emergency repairs without imposing any financial burden on the concessionaire.
“They said, ‘No, we will fix it.’ If we had rejected their stance, they would have attempted to claim funds from the federation account, which has been our primary concern. So we are monitoring them closely. We have given them the chance to fix the road,” he explained.
Umahi also dismissed claims that the poor condition of the Benin–Asaba route reflects a marginalisation of the Southeast, pointing instead to several major road interventions executed by the Tinubu administration along the Lagos–Southeast travel corridor.
He noted that the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, completed under President Tinubu, has significantly eased transit from Lagos toward the South-Eastern states.
The Minister also highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation of the 48-kilometre section leading toward Ore, where President Tinubu specifically directed the use of continuously reinforced concrete pavement due to challenging terrain and soil conditions.
According to Umahi, one carriageway of the 48-kilometre section has been completed, while work is progressing steadily on the other. He added that solar lighting and tree planting are being incorporated as part of the broader corridor modernization.
Beyond road infrastructure, Umahi expressed strong confidence in President Tinubu’s prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election, stating that the administration’s infrastructure delivery and engagement with the Southeast are steadily building regional support.
“President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, is going to win the 2027 election. He will win,” Umahi said, noting the President’s growing political goodwill across Anambra and neighbouring states.
He cited the strong performance of progressive candidates in recent off-cycle elections in the region as clear evidence of expanding public acceptance of the Tinubu administration and its policy direction.