The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of contractors and concessionaires found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation, describing the practice as a destruction of public infrastructure.
Umahi gave the order on Tuesday in Benin, Edo State, during an inspection of major federal roads in the state, where he also apologised to residents and commuters over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele Road.
The minister said the condition of the road had subjected road users in Edo and Delta states to severe hardship, expressing disappointment with the company handling the project.
He said the concessionaire lacked the technical competence required to manage the road, adding that the Federal Government would not allow poor technical capacity to compromise the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
Umahi said he had personally witnessed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection alongside the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, and had directed the contractor to stop the practice.
He warned that such action would no longer be tolerated on federal roads.
“The Ministry of Works does not permit contractors to remove asphalt from federal roads without authorisation. It is destruction of public infrastructure,” the minister said.
Umahi consequently directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire caught removing asphalt from federal roads without approval.
The minister also apologised to commuters, residents of Edo and Delta states and other road users affected by the deteriorating condition of the highway.
He said President Bola Tinubu was aware of the hardship being experienced by road users and had directed the ministry to take immediate steps to restore the road and ease the suffering of motorists and residents.
According to Umahi, although concession agreements are governed by law, the Federal Government can invoke overriding public interest where necessary to protect citizens and critical infrastructure.
He said the government would therefore prioritise the rehabilitation of the road, stressing that the welfare and safety of Nigerians remained paramount.
Umahi also questioned the basis for awarding the project to the concessionaire, alleging that the company did not have a strong record of technical competence and integrity before taking over the Benin-Agbor Road.
The minister thanked Edo youths for remaining calm despite the hardship caused by the road, saying their restraint had helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
He also commended Governor Okpebholo for intervening in the rehabilitation of federal roads across the state and for his commitment to infrastructure development.
Governor urges restraint
Responding, Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in communities along the affected routes to remain patient, assuring them that the Federal Government was taking steps to address the road crisis.
The governor recalled the previous poor condition of the Benin-Ekpoma Road, saying President Tinubu had promised to reconstruct the road following their meeting and had fulfilled the commitment.
Okpebholo stressed the strategic importance of Edo to Nigeria, noting that the state serves as a gateway connecting several parts of the country.
He warned that prolonged unrest in the state could have wider consequences because of its strategic position.
Concessionaire defends pace of work
However, the Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of work to heavy rainfall.
Daramola said the company had resorted to palliative measures to keep traffic moving despite the difficult conditions.
He explained that one of the first steps taken by the company after assuming responsibility for the Benin-Agbor Road was to expand the road.
According to him, the company initially concentrated on palliative works because of the numerous potholes, with the aim of improving access for commuters while broader rehabilitation efforts continued.
The Federal Government’s latest intervention comes amid growing concerns over the condition of the Benin-Sapele corridor, a major route linking communities and commercial centres in Edo and Delta states.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
