FG Orders Review Of Road Concessions Over Benin-Asaba Gridlock

26th August, 2026 | News

FG Orders Review of Road Concessions Over Benin-Asaba Gridlock

The Federal Government has ordered a review of concession agreements for major roads across Nigeria following the worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, which has caused severe gridlock and left motorists and commuters stranded for days.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, issued the directive after inspecting the highway and expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC).

Umahi accused the concessionaire of lacking the required technical capacity and criticised the removal of existing asphalt despite warnings from the Ministry of Works. He warned that the government would take action against concessionaires whose activities endanger public infrastructure and road users.

The minister said competent contractors would be engaged to carry out emergency repairs and restore the road to a motorable condition. He also apologised to affected commuters, saying President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to do everything possible to resolve the crisis.

The Federal Government is now reviewing how road concessions are awarded, with greater emphasis expected on the technical competence of concessionaires.

The Benin-Asaba Expressway was concessioned to BAECC in 2025 for reconstruction and expansion into a 10-lane highway, with completion scheduled for September 2027.

While BAECC blamed persistent rainfall and heavy traffic for the challenges, the project consultant alleged that the company failed to follow professional advice, particularly regarding drainage construction.

The House Committee on Works has also backed the review and called for immediate palliative measures to ease the hardship faced by road users.