The Federal Government has attributed the persistent failure of the Benin-Asaba expressway to the concessionaire handling the road, announcing plans to review the concession agreement. The disclosure was made by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, during an inspection tour of the road on Tuesday.
Concessionaire Under Fire
Umahi stated that the concessionaire, M/S Aleshinloye and Sons Limited, has failed to meet the terms of the concession agreement, resulting in the deplorable condition of the road. He noted that the government is not satisfied with the performance of the concessionaire and will take necessary actions, including reviewing the concession.
According to the minister, the road, which is a critical economic artery linking the South-South and South-East to the rest of the country, has been in a state of disrepair, causing hardship to motorists and commuters. The minister's remarks came in response to complaints from road users about the poor state of the highway.
Plans for Concession Review
Umahi said the Federal Government will review the concession agreement with the aim of either renegotiating or terminating it, depending on the outcome of the review. He added that the government is committed to ensuring that the road is motorable and safe for all users.
"We are not happy with the performance of the concessionaire on the Benin-Asaba road. We are going to review the concession agreement, and if necessary, we will take over the road or re-award it to another company," Umahi said.
The minister also directed the concessionaire to immediately begin palliative works on the road to alleviate the suffering of road users, pending the outcome of the review.
Impact on Commuters and Economy
The poor condition of the Benin-Asaba road has significant economic implications, as it is a major route for the transportation of goods and services between the southern and eastern parts of Nigeria. The frequent gridlocks and accidents on the road have led to increased travel time and costs for commuters and businesses.
Residents and motorists have repeatedly called on the government to address the situation, with some blaming the concessionaire for neglecting its duties. The government's decision to review the concession is expected to bring relief to the thousands of people who use the road daily.
The Federal Government's move to review the concession agreement marks a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issues on the Benin-Asaba expressway. The outcome of the review will determine the future of the concession and the road's rehabilitation.
