Benin–Agbor Road Agony: Umahi Apologises to Commuters, Orders Arrest of Asphalt-Ripping Contractors

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has apologised to commuters and residents of Edo and Delta States over the deplorable condition of the Benin–Agbor Road, assuring them that the Federal Government is taking urgent measures to rehabilitate the road and alleviate the hardship faced by road users.

Umahi tendered the apology on Tuesday in Benin City during an inspection tour of major federal roads in Edo State, undertaken alongside Governor Monday Okpebholo. He also directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation, describing the practice as a violation of ministry policy and an act of vandalism against public assets. The minister disclosed that he had personally witnessed the unauthorised removal of asphalt during an earlier inspection of the Benin–Agbor Road with Governor Okpebholo and had directed the contractor to stop.

Expressing concern over the performance of the concessionaire responsible for the road, Umahi said the company lacked the technical capacity and requisite track record to execute a project of such magnitude. He emphasised that the Federal Government had a responsibility to ensure that only technically competent concessionaires were entrusted with critical road infrastructure.

He commended Governor Okpebholo for intervening in the rehabilitation of federal roads across Edo State, noting that the governor had demonstrated a strong commitment to the welfare of residents, irrespective of whether the roads were under federal or state jurisdiction.

The minister also commended Edo youths for remaining calm despite the prolonged hardship caused by the road. He warned that the continued deterioration of the road could pose serious security risks and must not be allowed to escalate into violence or a breakdown of law and order.

Umahi said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had taken note of the difficulties faced by road users and directed the Ministry of Works to take all necessary measures to restore the road. He explained that although concession agreements were governed by law, the government could invoke overriding public interest where necessary to protect citizens and preserve critical infrastructure.

Responding, Governor Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in the affected areas to remain calm, assuring them that President Tinubu was responsive to the concerns of the people of Edo State. He recalled that he had previously brought the deplorable condition of the Benin–Ekpoma Road to the President’s attention and received assurances that it would be reconstructed.

According to him, the President’s decision to deploy the Minister of Works to Edo shortly after concerns over the Benin–Agbor Road intensified demonstrated his commitment to addressing the situation. He further noted that Edo State serves as a strategic gateway connecting the South-South, South-West and northern parts of the country, stressing that any unrest in the state could have far-reaching consequences.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of work to heavy rainfall. He explained that the company had undertaken palliative repairs to maintain traffic flow while rehabilitation work continued. The inspection tour was attended by members of the National Assembly, senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders.