Benin–Asaba road to be redesigned with reinforced concrete, minister says

Nigeria’s 136-kilometre Benin–Asaba road will be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement, Works Minister Dave Umahi said on Thursday. Speaking in Benin City at an “Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road” event, Umahi said President Bola Tinubu had directed that the entire dualisation project be redesigned. The decision followed the failure of discussions with the concessionaire over options for continuing the agreement, he said.

Umahi said the government was carrying out temporary intervention work while developing plans for the road’s long-term reconstruction. He identified the Benin Bypass as an area for immediate intervention and said the temporary work was expected to be completed within four weeks. The minister also rejected reports that the emergency rehabilitation had been awarded to Hitech or another contractor.

He said the Ministry of Works had hired equipment belonging to companies operating along the corridor, including Hitech, CECC and CBC, while seeking additional equipment. Umahi described the intervention as a temporary rehabilitation effort rather than an awarded contract. He said the longer-term project could proceed either through concessioning or a takeover by the ministry.