Umahi Apologises Over Benin-Sapele Road Crisis, Orders Arrest of Contractors Removing Asphalt Without Approval
Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologised to residents and commuters in Edo and Delta states over the worsening condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has reportedly caused severe hardship for road users.
During an inspection tour of major roads in Edo State on Tuesday, Umahi also ordered the arrest of contractors, concessionaires and anyone else found removing asphalt from federal roads without government approval.
The minister expressed disappointment with the company handling the road, accusing the concessionaire of lacking the technical capacity required to properly execute the project.
Umahi said he had personally witnessed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection alongside Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and had directed the contractor to stop the practice.
According to the minister, contractors are not permitted to remove asphalt from federal roads without authorisation, describing unauthorised removal as an act of “destruction of public infrastructure.”
He subsequently directed ministry controllers nationwide to arrest any contractor or concessionaire caught removing asphalt from federal roads without approval.
Umahi said the Federal Government must ensure that companies awarded major road projects possess the necessary technical competence to execute them effectively.
He further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the hardship being experienced by road users and had directed the Ministry of Works to take immediate steps to restore the road and reduce the suffering of commuters.
The minister explained that although concession agreements are legally binding, the government could rely on overriding public interest where necessary to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.
Umahi again apologised to commuters and residents affected by the deplorable road, assuring them that rehabilitation work would be prioritised to provide immediate relief.
Governor Okpebholo, while responding, appealed to residents and youths in the affected communities to remain calm and patient.
He noted that Edo’s strategic position as a gateway connecting different parts of the country meant that prolonged unrest over the road could have wider consequences.
Meanwhile, the concessionaire’s Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of construction to heavy rainfall. He said the company had embarked on palliative work to keep traffic moving while also addressing the numerous potholes along the route.
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Minister of Works David Umahi has apologised to residents and commuters in Edo and Delta states over the worsening condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has reportedly caused severe hardship for road users.
During an inspection tour of major roads in Edo State on Tuesday, Umahi also ordered the arrest of contractors, concessionaires and anyone else found removing asphalt from federal roads without government approval.
The minister expressed disappointment with the company handling the road, accusing the concessionaire of lacking the technical capacity required to properly execute the project.
Umahi said he had personally witnessed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection alongside Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and had directed the contractor to stop the practice.
According to the minister, contractors are not permitted to remove asphalt from federal roads without authorisation, describing unauthorised removal as an act of “destruction of public infrastructure.”
He subsequently directed ministry controllers nationwide to arrest any contractor or concessionaire caught removing asphalt from federal roads without approval.
Umahi said the Federal Government must ensure that companies awarded major road projects possess the necessary technical competence to execute them effectively.
He further disclosed that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the hardship being experienced by road users and had directed the Ministry of Works to take immediate steps to restore the road and reduce the suffering of commuters.
The minister explained that although concession agreements are legally binding, the government could rely on overriding public interest where necessary to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.
Umahi again apologised to commuters and residents affected by the deplorable road, assuring them that rehabilitation work would be prioritised to provide immediate relief.
Governor Okpebholo, while responding, appealed to residents and youths in the affected communities to remain calm and patient.
He noted that Edo’s strategic position as a gateway connecting different parts of the country meant that prolonged unrest over the road could have wider consequences.
Meanwhile, the concessionaire’s Chief Executive Officer, Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of construction to heavy rainfall. He said the company had embarked on palliative work to keep traffic moving while also addressing the numerous potholes along the route.
