The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologised to commuters and residents of Edo and Delta states over the poor condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has caused severe hardship.
Umahi also ordered the arrest of contractors, concessionaires and others found removing asphalt from federal roads without approval.
The minister spoke on Tuesday in Benin during an inspection of major roads in Edo. He thanked Edo youths for remaining calm despite the situation, saying their restraint helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
Umahi expressed disappointment with the concessionaire handling the road, accusing it of lacking the technical capacity needed for the project. He said he personally saw asphalt being removed during an earlier inspection with Governor Monday Okpebholo and ordered the practice to stop.
He said the Ministry of Works does not allow unauthorised asphalt removal, describing it as “destruction of public infrastructure.”
Umahi directed ministry controllers to arrest anyone found carrying out such work without approval.
He said the Federal Government must ensure concessionaires have the required technical competence before receiving road projects, adding that the company lacked a reputation for competence and integrity before taking over the Benin-Agbor Road.
The minister said President Bola Tinubu was aware of the suffering of road users and had directed the ministry to restore the road and ease the hardship. He assured residents of immediate rehabilitation and said the government would prioritise their welfare and safety.
Okpebholo urged residents and youths to remain patient. He recalled the poor condition of the Benin-Ekpoma Road, saying Tinubu had promised its reconstruction and fulfilled that promise.
He warned that unrest in Edo could affect the country because of the state’s strategic location.
Meanwhile, concessionaire CEO Samuel Daramola blamed the slow work on heavy rains. He said the company began with palliative work because of the many potholes and had expanded the Benin-Agbor Road after taking over.
