The Federal Government has intensified efforts to address the worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, with the Federal Ministry of Works considering alternative intervention measures, including the possible replacement of the current concessionaire.
The Federal Controller of Works in Edo State, Engr. Tajudeen, disclosed this while inspecting sections of the strategic highway, following growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the road and the hardship being experienced by motorists.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Works has raised serious concerns over the performance of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC), alleging that the concessionaire had defaulted on several provisions of its concession agreement.
He said the issues identified by the Ministry included the complete scarification of portions of the existing stable asphalt surface, the engagement of allegedly unqualified personnel, inadequate capacity to deliver the project, slow pace of work, substandard construction quality and poor traffic management.
The poor traffic management along the corridor, he added, had contributed to recurring traffic gridlocks, with serious incidents recorded in December 2025 and again from August 19, 2026.
Engr. Tajudeen explained that the removal of existing asphalt without timely reconstruction exposed sections of the underlying road foundation to prolonged rainfall, worsening the condition of some portions of the highway.
He further disclosed that some of the severely damaged sections might no longer be suitable for conventional asphalt overlay and could require Continuous Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) to restore their structural integrity.
FG Considers Mutual Termination
On the status of the concession agreement, the Federal Controller clarified that the contract had not been simply terminated, stressing that government contracts are governed by established legal and contractual procedures.
He said the Minister of Works had proposed a mutual termination of the concession arrangement with BAECC, subject to the necessary legal and contractual processes.
The Minister had also directed that urgent measures be taken to reduce the hardship faced by motorists, including allowing another Federal Ministry of Works contractor with the required technical competence and experience to intervene on the affected sections.
The concessionaire was also asked to reinstate the scarified portions of the road and restore them to the condition they were in before work commenced approximately 16 months ago.
Engr. Tajudeen expressed concern that about two weeks after the Minister’s engagement with the concessionaire and other stakeholders, no meaningful intervention had been recorded on the affected sections.
He said the Ministry was therefore intensifying efforts to find an alternative solution within its legal powers and ensure that work resumes on the highway as quickly as possible.
The Federal Controller appealed to motorists, transport operators and residents who depend on the corridor to exercise patience, assuring them that the Federal Government was aware of the strategic importance of the Benin-Asaba Highway and the urgent need to restore it.
He stressed that the highway would not be allowed to remain in its present condition, adding that the Ministry was committed to securing a lasting solution and restoring the road to a safe and motorable condition.
The Federal Government therefore appealed to road users to remain calm as the necessary legal and administrative processes are being undertaken to bring in a credible and technically capable intervention that will restore normalcy to the strategic corridor.
