Motorists and passengers have continued to face hardship on the Benin-Asaba highway, with some spending several days on the road due to failed sections and gridlock.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who inspected the road, apologised to commuters and said the concessionaire, BAECC, had failed to properly handle the project.
Umahi said the concessionaire removed existing asphalt despite warnings from the ministry, worsening the road. He ordered a review of the concession agreement and said government would bring in a contractor to make the road motorable in the short term.
The Benin-Asaba highway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for expansion and rehabilitation, with completion expected in 2027. BAECC Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Daramola, blamed heavy rains and traffic for delays.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, called for a review of road concession agreements and immediate palliative measures.
Road users said the poor condition of the highway was disrupting the movement of people and goods. One driver said a journey from Lagos to Asaba took three days.
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) also called for urgent government intervention over the poor state of roads across the South-South.
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