By Prevail Inegbenose
The Federal Government has flagged off an emergency intervention on the Benin–Asaba Highway under the Ministry of Works’ “Operation Rescue” initiative, aimed at restoring safe and smooth movement along the critical corridor.
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The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, inaugurated the intervention in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, September 24, 2026, following the worsening condition of sections of the 125-kilometre highway.
The intervention, which will involve the deployment of equipment and personnel through direct implementation by the Federal Ministry of Works, is expected to provide immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses and communities affected by the deteriorating road.
The Benin–Asaba Highway stretches from AIF Roundabout in Benin City to Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State. The road was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the previous administration, with the site formally handed over under the present administration in March 2025.
However, the Independent Engineer for the project, Yolas Consultants Limited, subsequently established that the concessionaire lacked the technical and financial capacity required to execute the project effectively.
The Minister said the decision to intervene was driven by the need to prevent further deterioration of the road, reduce traffic gridlock and ease the hardship being experienced by road users.
According to Umahi, the Ministry had monitored the concession project through several site visits and issued instructions to the concessionaire, through the Independent Engineer, to comply with approved standards and methodology, but these were not adhered to.
He said the emergency intervention was therefore necessary to rescue critically failed sections of the highway while a sustainable engineering solution is developed.
The Minister stressed that the intervention was not a new contract but an immediate response to the plight of road users.
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“This is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users,” Umahi said, reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to restoring critical road infrastructure across the country.
He said the Operation Rescue initiative was focused on immediate action, restoration of movement and protection of motorists and communities along the corridor.
“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,” the minister said.
Umahi urged motorists and residents along the highway to cooperate with officials and traffic-management personnel during the emergency works.
“I am pleading with motorists to exercise patience, observe traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones,” he said.
The minister also commended President Tinubu for his concern for the welfare of citizens, assuring that the Ministry remained committed to restoring the highway to a safe, functional and durable condition.
Speaking at the ceremony, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, commended the President for the intervention and Umahi for his commitment to road infrastructure.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, expressed appreciation for the immediate response, describing the intervention as an action aimed at improving the lives of residents and the general public.
A representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) also commended the Federal Government for its commitment to the development of the Niger Delta and praised the Works Minister for his efforts towards improving infrastructure in the region.
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Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as timely, noting that the highway was a critical transportation corridor connecting communities and facilitating mobility, commerce and trade between Edo and Delta states and other parts of the country.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, traditional and community representatives and other stakeholders, while goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Governors of Edo and Delta states, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, the Youth Leader of Ikpaba Hill Community and other stakeholders.