…vows to end commuters’ ordeal as FG deploys over 50 equipment

BENIN CITY — Relief may finally be in sight for thousands of motorists and communities trapped in the worsening nightmare on the Benin-Asaba Road as President Bola Tinubu has ordered an emergency rescue operation on the 125-kilometre highway.

The intervention, which comes amid worsening road deterioration, severe gridlock and prolonged delays along the vital Edo-Delta corridor, is aimed at restoring motorability and easing the hardship suffered daily by commuters and transport operators.

Represented by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, President Tinubu yesterday inaugurated the emergency intervention in Benin, declaring that the Federal Government had heard the cries of road users and was determined to bring the protracted ordeal to an end.

“We are here today not to witness the commencement of another road project. We are witnessing the response of a government that has heard the cries of its people and has chosen to act. That is why today’s intervention is truly a rescue operation,” the President said.

Tinubu explained that the Benin-Asaba corridor had been concessioned under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), with the expectation that the road would be completed within three years.

He, however, said the pace and manner of execution had fallen short of the terms of the concession agreement, resulting in the deterioration of the road and mounting hardship for motorists.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Works had taken over the immediate palliative rehabilitation of the highway, with more than 50 pieces of equipment already deployed and additional equipment expected.

Umahi said the ministry resorted to the emergency intervention after efforts to secure the cooperation of the concessionaire failed.

He explained that the concession agreement required Federal Government approval from the concessionaire before intervention, but the company declined options proposed by the ministry.

The minister said major contractors had consequently been directed to work on the three sections of the road to restore failed portions and ease the suffering of motorists.

He added that the entire corridor would subsequently be redesigned for permanent reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement.

Governor Okpebholo, on behalf of the people of Edo, thanked President Tinubu for responding to the cries of commuters and communities along the corridor, while commending Umahi for his personal intervention in the road crisis.

He charged the contractors handling the emergency works to deliver quality construction and strictly adhere to approved specifications and timelines.

“To the new contractor, this is a road of great economic importance to Edo, Delta and Nigeria. We expect quality work, strict compliance with the approved project specifications, and delivery within the agreed timeframe. There must be no excuses,” Okpebholo said.

The governor also appealed to commuters and communities who had endured prolonged gridlock and delays to remain patient, assuring them that their complaints had been heard.

The Delta State Government, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, also welcomed the intervention, describing the Benin-Asaba corridor as a critical economic and social link between the two states.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the road had become a major challenge for residents of both states and expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the decision to restore it.

He said the road remained vital to commerce, cultural ties and movement between Edo and Delta.

The Federal Government’s emergency intervention is expected to restore motorability on the failed sections of the highway while plans are advanced for the permanent reconstruction of the entire corridor.