The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has announced the return of the Benin-Asaba Road to the Federal Ministry of Works, disclosing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the comprehensive redesign and full reconstruction of the 136-kilometre highway as a dual carriageway.
In the Minister’s words, “the Concessioning has been unsealed”.
This disclosure was made Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the reopening of the First Niger Bridge.
He assured motorists that the remedial measures being carried out on some sections of the road notwithstanding, permanent reinforced concrete pavement works would soon commence.
The Minister described the development as a major step towards resolving the longstanding challenges faced by motorists travelling between the South-South and South-East, noting that the return of the road to the Ministry of Works would enable the Federal Government to take direct responsibility for its reconstruction.
“What stopped the Ministry of Works from reconstructing Benin-Asaba Road, the concessioning of that route, has been unsealed. We now have our route back to the Ministry of Works,” Umahi declared.
He disclosed that President Tinubu had directed the total and comprehensive redesign of the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road as a dual carriageway, adding that the design process was ongoing and construction would commence upon its completion.
“The legacy of President Bola Tinubu, you will see it ongoing on this road. Never again will our people suffer on this road,” Umahi assured.