Umahi Orders Contractors’ Arrest Over Benin–Sapele Road, Blows Hot

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the immediate arrest of any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from federal roads without proper authorisation.

The minister expressed concern over the poor condition of the road, which has reportedly caused significant hardship for motorists, commuters and residents in the area.

Umahi apologised to road users affected by the deteriorating condition of the route and commended youths in the area for remaining calm despite the challenges caused by the road’s poor state.

He also expressed disappointment with the concessionaire responsible for the road, questioning the company’s technical capacity to effectively handle the project.

The minister recalled that during an earlier inspection of the road with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, he personally observed the removal of asphalt from portions of the route and instructed the contractor to discontinue the practice.

Umahi stressed that contractors are not permitted to remove asphalt from federal roads without obtaining the necessary approval from the Ministry of Works.

He described unauthorised removal of asphalt as an act capable of damaging public infrastructure and directed ministry controllers across the country to arrest contractors or concessionaires caught engaging in the practice.

The minister further criticised the concessionaire handling the Benin-Agbor Road, alleging that the company lacked the technical competence required to execute the project effectively.

He said the Federal Government must ensure that companies awarded road projects possess the necessary technical capacity and credibility to deliver them.

Umahi added that President Bola Tinubu was aware of the difficulties being experienced by road users and had directed the Ministry of Works to take urgent steps to restore the road and reduce the hardship faced by commuters and residents.