‘One Bad Road Doesn’t Define Us’: Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive
By NJORIGE LYNUS
Presidency Says Benin-Agbor-Asaba Crisis Does Not Define Nigeria’s Road Programme
THE Presidency has defended the Federal Government’s infrastructure programme after the latest failure of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba Expressway triggered renewed criticism of the condition of major highways.
Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications, described the incident as an isolated case.
He said the government moved quickly after the road deteriorated and immediately brought key stakeholders into the response.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Dare said the Federal Government could not use one troubled highway to measure the performance of its entire road construction programme.
Umahi Takes Responsibility for Highway Crisis
The Presidency’s defence followed an inspection of the affected highway by Works Minister David Umahi.
Umahi visited the troubled section in Edo State and apologised to road users for the hardship caused by the deteriorating highway.
He also criticised the concessionaire handling the reconstruction.
After assessing the condition of the road, the minister concluded that palliative repairs would not adequately address the problem.
He consequently directed a move towards total reconstruction following President Tinubu’s directive for the redesign and rebuilding of the highway.
Dare said the government’s reaction demonstrated what he described as responsive governance.
He argued that authorities must identify failing infrastructure, provide funding and hold contractors accountable for delivering quality work.
Construction Delays Versus Public Hardship
The Presidency also sought to explain why motorists sometimes encounter difficult conditions while major road projects remain under construction.
Dare said large highways are normally built in sections.
Consequently, motorists may continue using older or temporary sections while contractors complete new portions.
He compared the process to constructing a house, arguing that infrastructure projects cannot become fully functional overnight.
Still, the explanation presents a difficult balance for government.
Road construction may require temporary disruption, but prolonged deterioration can impose substantial costs on commuters, businesses and transport operators.
The Benin-Agbor-Asaba corridor illustrates that tension.
Its poor condition has disrupted movement and increased the cost of transporting people and goods between major commercial centres.
Federal Government Highlights National Road Investments
Dare said the administration is implementing an extensive road programme across Nigeria.
He cited five legacy projects and about 320 other federal roads under the administration’s infrastructure agenda.
The presidential aide also highlighted progress along the Abuja-Lokoja corridor, where he said completed sections and ongoing concrete works were visible during his recent journey.
The government therefore maintains that its broader road programme remains on course despite individual setbacks.
Yet the latest highway failure has also raised questions about project supervision and contractor performance.
Dare acknowledged that the contractor’s explanations did not remove responsibility for what happened on the Benin-Agbor-Asaba route.
A Test of Infrastructure Accountability
The Federal Government’s response now faces a practical test.
The immediate concern for road users is whether the planned intervention will deliver a durable highway rather than another cycle of temporary repairs and renewed deterioration.
The Benin-Agbor-Asaba corridor carries significant economic traffic between the South-South and other parts of the country.
Any prolonged disruption therefore affects more than individual motorists.
It can increase logistics costs, delay commercial activities and place additional pressure on already expensive transportation networks.
The Presidency says the administration is responding.
Umahi has acknowledged the severity of the problem and moved towards a full reconstruction.
For residents and businesses along the corridor, however, the ultimate verdict will come from the road itself.
A successful reconstruction would turn the current crisis into evidence of government responsiveness.
A repeat of previous failures would instead deepen concerns about Nigeria’s longstanding infrastructure maintenance and project-delivery challenges.
