FG launches emergency rescue operation on Benin–Asaba expressway

By Onu Okorie

Federal Government has commenced an emergency intervention on the deteriorating Benin–Asaba Expressway in Edo and Delta states, under its “Operation Rescue” initiative, aimed at restoring safe and uninterrupted movement along the strategic 125-kilometre highway.
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, announced the commencement of the intervention on Thursday, September 24, 2026, during the inauguration of the operation in Benin City, Edo State.
The intervention, being undertaken by the Federal Ministry of Works through hired equipment and direct implementation, is intended to address critically failed sections of the road and provide immediate relief to motorists, commuters, businesses and communities along the corridor.
The Benin–Asaba Expressway begins at AIF Roundabout in Benin City and terminates at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State. The Federal Government described the route as a major national transportation artery connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
The road was concessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) by the immediate past administration, while the formal handover of the site took place in March 2025 under the present administration.
However, according to the Ministry, the project’s Independent Engineer, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited, subsequently established that the concessionaire lacked the technical and financial capacity required to execute the project.
The Independent Engineer consequently advised the Ministry to take urgent steps to prevent further deterioration of the highway, ease traffic gridlock and reduce the hardship being experienced by road users.
Umahi said he had personally monitored the concession project through several site visits and had issued instructions through the Independent Engineer for the concessionaire to comply with the Ministry’s prescribed standards and methodology.
According to him, the required compliance was not achieved, contributing to the worsening condition of sections of the highway and necessitating direct government intervention.
“This is not a new contract but an immediate solution to the plight of road users,” the minister said, stressing that the emergency operation was designed to provide immediate traffic relief while paving the way for a durable engineering solution.
He said the Federal Government would not allow the deteriorating condition of the major highway to continue to hamper economic activities, the movement of people and goods, or the safety of motorists and host communities.
“We are determined to address the failed sections and, thereafter, provide a durable solution that will serve Nigerians for many years,” Umahi said.
The minister appealed to motorists and residents along the corridor to cooperate with officials and traffic-management personnel during the intervention.
He urged motorists to exercise patience, comply with traffic-management directives and drive cautiously around active construction zones.
Umahi also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his concern for the welfare of citizens, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to restoring the Benin–Asaba Expressway to a safe, functional and durable condition.
Governors Welcome Intervention
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was also commended for his earlier response to the deteriorating condition of the highway.
During protests in August 2026 over the state of the road, the governor identified with the concerns of motorists and affected communities and dispatched his Chief of Staff to appeal for calm and assure stakeholders of remedial action.
Representing the governor at the inauguration, the Edo State delegation expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the Federal Government’s intervention and commended the Minister of Works for his continued attention to road infrastructure.
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Charles Anaogu, also welcomed the intervention, describing it as a much-needed response to the condition of the strategic highway.
“It is a well-desired action to better the lives of the people of Delta State and the general public,” Anaogu said.
A representative of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) similarly commended the President for his commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and praised the Minister for his attention to infrastructure and the welfare of residents.
Earlier, the Edo State Governor’s Special Adviser on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Engr. Phoebe William Bello, described the rescue operation as timely, noting that the highway was critical to transportation, commerce and trade between Edo and Delta states and other parts of the country.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, lawmakers, community representatives and other stakeholders. 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.
The Federal Ministry of Works said it would continue to monitor the progress of the emergency works and take measures to minimise disruption and hardship to road users while the intervention continues.