Nigeria's Works Minister Orders CCECC to Repair Benin-Asaba Highway in 14 Days

Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a stern 14-day ultimatum to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to repair critical sections of the Benin-Asaba Highway in Delta State. The directive came during an inspection where Umahi expressed deep concern over the road's condition and the significant hardship faced by motorists.

The highway has seen worsening conditions, with reports indicating that travelers have been stranded for days due to failed sections, gridlock, and diversions. Some truck drivers have reported spending up to three days on a journey that normally takes about four hours. Passengers have also recounted spending multiple nights sleeping in their vehicles due to impassable roads and the inability to afford hotel accommodation.

Umahi specifically instructed CCECC to immediately rehabilitate service lanes where asphalt was removed during construction, emphasizing that the repair must happen regardless of payment status. He also mandated urgent intervention on approximately four kilometers of dual carriageway between specific chainages under an emergency arrangement.

While the Federal Ministry of Works has the capacity to undertake the repairs, Umahi noted constraints related to the existing concession agreement. He revealed that the federal government had formally communicated with the concessionaire regarding its inadequate maintenance of certain road sections. The minister apologized to commuters for the difficulties caused by the road's state, previously described as inadequate by Vanguard.

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I am giving you 14 days to fix the access, the service lane you removed the asphalt. You have to fix it immediately, whether you are paid or not. It is my right to insist that you fix it to lessen the problem of the people.