Over the weekend, high-ranking officials, including Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, and Minister of Niger Delta Development Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Benin-Abuja express road.
This infrastructure project aims to repair the severely degraded route, essential for the seamless movement of goods and people between Nigeria’s southern and northern regions.
Joining the ministers were Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North in the National Assembly, and Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the September 2024 election in Edo State. Their presence underscored the road’s strategic importance and highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
Addressing the crowd, Minister Umahi revealed that the reconstruction project had been reassigned to BUA after the previous contractors—Dantata and Sawoe, Mother Cat, and RCC—failed to deliver despite receiving substantial payments. This reassignment followed a presidential revaluation approval amounting to billions in variations.
Umahi praised the relentless advocacy and strategic negotiations by Engr. Momoh, Oshiomhole, and Okpebholo, which were instrumental in securing an agreement with BUA to repair 60 kilometers of the road under a tax credit scheme.
“The commitment of these leaders has been paramount in achieving this breakthrough. We are here to ensure that this vital infrastructure project is completed efficiently and effectively,” Umahi stated.
Engr. Momoh recounted the arduous journey to secure presidential attention for the deteriorating road, noting the lack of significant progress since 2012.
He expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Okpebholo, and Senator Umahi for their unwavering support and efforts, adding, “Their dedication has made this day a reality, bringing hope and relief to our communities.”
Senator Oshiomhole emphasized the necessity of holding the failed contractors accountable, asserting, “Nigerians deserve an explanation from those who took taxpayer money and neglected their duties.” Senator Okpebholo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the project’s critical importance in boosting local and national development. “This achievement brings immense joy and signifies a new era of development and progress for our people,” Okpebholo stated.
