By PAULINA NZERUBE

FG Begins Emergency Rescue of Benin-Asaba Road, Targets Four-Week Relief

THE Federal Government has commenced an emergency intervention to restore the deteriorating Benin-Asaba Road, with the temporary rehabilitation expected to provide relief to motorists within four weeks.

The intervention was welcomed by Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who described the road as a critical economic corridor linking communities and commercial centres across the South-South and South-East.

Oborevwori spoke through the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during the “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” exercise in Benin City on Thursday.

Delta Welcomes Federal Intervention

Aniagwu said the condition of the highway had subjected motorists, commuters and businesses to prolonged hardship.

He described the Benin-Asaba Road as a major artery connecting Delta and Edo states with other parts of the country, stressing its importance to the movement of people and goods.

According to him, the deterioration of the road was largely linked to the failure of the concessionaire to meet the objectives of the concession agreement.

“We are therefore delighted that the Federal Government has today deemed it fit to give life back to this important road corridor,” Aniagwu said.

He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for approving the emergency intervention.

The commissioner urged the Federal Government and the contractors involved in the exercise to accelerate the work so that motorists and businesses could begin to experience relief.

Emergency Works to Last Four Weeks

Umahi explained that the intervention was not structured as a conventional road construction contract.

Instead, the ministry deployed equipment hired from contractors already operating along the corridor, including Hi-Tech, CCECC and CBC.

The arrangement, he said, was designed to enable the Federal Government to respond quickly to the deteriorating condition of the highway.

Umahi said the emergency works were expected to restore the road within four weeks.

The intervention will begin from the Edo axis, with particular attention to the Benin Bypass. Supervising engineers will also be deployed to different sections to monitor the work and ensure that required standards are maintained.

Long-Term Reconstruction Planned

While the immediate intervention is aimed at easing the current crisis, the Federal Government is also planning a comprehensive reconstruction of the highway.

Umahi said President Tinubu had directed the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba dual carriageway using reinforced concrete pavement.

The redesign is expected to form the basis for the long-term reconstruction of the corridor.

The minister said the Federal Government had previously offered the concessionaire three options for continuing with the project. According to him, none of the options produced the required result.

He subsequently said the ministry had to intervene in the public interest.

Umahi further alleged that the concessionaire lacked the engineering and financial capacity to execute the project and had breached provisions of the concession agreement.

Delta Highlights Previous Road Intervention

Aniagwu used the occasion to highlight Delta State’s collaboration with the Federal Government on federal road projects.

He cited the state’s intervention on the Warri-Sapele Road, where the government constructed the section from the U-turn at the Spare Parts Market to Ohore Junction using concrete rigid pavement.

He said Delta would continue to support initiatives aimed at resolving critical infrastructure challenges affecting residents and businesses.

The commissioner also commended Umahi for the Federal Government’s intervention on the First Niger Bridge and expressed optimism that the bridge would reopen following the completion of major rehabilitation works.

Edo Seeks Quality Work

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, also thanked President Tinubu for ordering the emergency intervention.

Okpebholo urged those handling the project to ensure that the work complied with specifications and was completed within the expected timeframe.

He stressed the importance of quality, given the strategic role of the road to the state’s economy and regional transportation.

Corridor Critical to Regional Commerce

The Benin-Asaba Road is an important transportation link between the South-South and South-East and connects the regions to other parts of Nigeria.

However, failed sections and severe gridlock along the corridor in recent months have disrupted the movement of passengers and goods.

The resulting delays have also affected commercial activities and increased the difficulties faced by motorists and transport operators.

The emergency works are therefore expected to provide immediate relief while the Federal Government proceeds with the redesign and planned long-term reconstruction of the entire corridor.