ABUJA — The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has criticised the concessionaire handling the Benin-Asaba Highway over the slow pace of work and ordered the arrest of any contractor found removing asphalt from existing carriageways. Umahi gave the directive on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, during an on-the-spot assessment of the 125-kilometre road following complaints from road users and host communities about the hardship caused by the ongoing construction.
The development was contained in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Minister faulted the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC) for the slow pace of work and alleged disregard for engineering standards despite repeated warnings from the Independent Engineer, Yolas Consultants, and the Ministry.
Umahi said the concessionaire’s construction methodology was adversely affecting road users, host communities and the pace of work.
“You are not adhering to engineering best practices in road construction and your methodology is adversely impacting road users, host neighbourhoods and the pace of work,” he said.
The Minister rejected explanations by BAECC Managing Director, Mr Samuel Daramola, who attributed the difficulties to heavy traffic and double rainfall maxima along the corridor.
Umahi described the explanations as “unprofessional and untenable excuses” and apologised to Nigerians for the hardship caused by the condition of the road.
He directed Federal Controllers of Works and Engineering Representatives to arrest any contractor found completely removing asphalt from an existing road.
“I, therefore, direct all Federal Controllers of Works and Engineering Representatives to, henceforth, arrest any contractor who completely removes the asphalt from an existing road,” he said.
