Minister of Works David Umahi has defended the Federal Government’s handling of road projects covered by existing concession agreements, insisting that his ministry has acted within the responsibilities placed on it.
Umahi spoke on Saturday during an inspection of the Federal Government’s Trans-Sahara Highway project at Ndiagu Ishieke on the Benue-Ebonyi border, where he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to delivering strategic road infrastructure.
The minister’s comments come amid intense scrutiny of the government’s handling of the deteriorating Benin-Asaba Expressway and other roads operating under concession arrangements.
Umahi said the government must balance the urgent need to address deteriorating infrastructure with its contractual and legal obligations under existing agreements.
His position is particularly relevant to the Benin-Asaba corridor, which has experienced severe deterioration and prolonged traffic gridlock in recent days.
The minister has previously criticised the Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC) over what he described as unacceptable deficiencies in the execution and management of the concession agreement.
Following an inspection of the troubled highway, Umahi ordered the concessionaire to immediately reinstate damaged asphalt, restore safe passages for motorists, evacuate accumulated water and remove materials obstructing visibility and safe movement.
The minister has also maintained that the Federal Government cannot simply disregard existing contractual arrangements.
In earlier remarks concerning the Benin-Onitsha corridor, Umahi explained that the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba section is covered by a long-term concession and that government action must comply with the law and contractual obligations.
He argued that the existence of a concession does not mean the Federal Government has abandoned responsibility for the road, noting that the Ministry of Works has continued engaging the concessionaire over its performance.
The worsening condition of the Benin-Asaba highway has, however, increased pressure on the Federal Government to take more decisive action.
Traffic congestion along the corridor has reportedly stranded motorists for extended periods, while damaged sections of the highway have raised concerns about road safety and the economic impact on commuters and businesses.
The National Assembly has also indicated its willingness to exercise oversight over concessionaires, with lawmakers calling for compliance with contractual obligations and stronger protection for road users.
Umahi’s latest defence therefore comes as the Federal Government faces the difficult task of enforcing concession agreements while responding to mounting public pressure for immediate intervention on critical highways.
The Works Ministry has indicated that the objective is not merely to execute road projects but to ensure that infrastructure is delivered according to acceptable engineering standards and that concessionaires fulfil their obligations.