Flag-off of the 125-KM Benin-Asaba Dual Carriageway: A Game Changer in Road Development.

By Jabiru Hassan.

  The Federal Government has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Expressway, a vital road corridor in the southern part of the country.

The event, which took place on Sunday, 21st March 2025, was performed on behalf of the President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Sen. Monday Okpebholo.  I

n his Address, the Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE disclosed the project’s significance in enhancing transportation, economic growth, and regional integration.

He highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure as a means of boosting national development and integration, noting that the partnership driving the project would enhance the safety and efficiency of travel while unlocking the economic potential of the region.

“This project will generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and an improved standard of living for the people.

I urge all stakeholders to work, collaboratively, to ensure the successful and timely completion of this critical infrastructure,” the Minister stated. He also added that “The Benin–Asaba Expressway Project, is more than a road. It is an ambitious Dual Carriage, solar-lit that is to be fully funded by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.” 

On behalf of the government and good people of Edo and Delta States, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his leadership and unwavering support for infrastructure development in the region and the nation, at large.

He also commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for modifying an alternative funding option, outside the national budget, that would guarantee the timely execution of Federal road projects.

He officially handed over the Engineering Design and Instruments of Authority for the contract to the Concessionaire, Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited, while canvassing for support in the 2027 Presidential polls.

  In their various Goodwill Messages at the epoch-making ceremony, the Governor of Delta State, represented by his Deputy, His Excellency Monday Onyeme, the Senator representing Edo North and former Governor, H.E. Adams Oshiomole, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State and representative of the Transport Union, eulogised Mr. President for the life-changing project, promising to vote for him in 2027, overwhelmingly.

The Governor also pleaded with Mr President to extend the alignment to the Onitsha Bridge. 

In his closing remarks, the Governor of Edo State commended the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, noting that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu has prioritised road construction as a catalyst for economic transformation.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Ministries of Works and Finance in driving infrastructure renewal across the country.

“The impact of quality infrastructure cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which socio-economic growth and development are built.

I commend President Tinubu’s administration for its visionary leadership in making this project a reality,” the Governor stressed.

  The flag-off of the Benin-Asaba Expressway is a giant leap in Nigeria’s journey towards bequeathing a modern, efficient, and well-maintained road infrastructure to the citizenry.

The Federal Government remains resolute in completing this project on schedule, ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from improved connectivity and its associated economic opportunities.

  The Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is a strategic infrastructure development programme of the Federal Ministry of Works designed to encourage private sector participation in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Federal highways across the country.

Through this Initiative, the government aims to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability, ensuring that all stakeholders – the government, private investors, and road users – benefit from improved road networks. 

As a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, HDMI is structured to attract long-term sustainable  investments for the expansion, modernisation, and effective utilisation of Nigeria’s road infrastructure.

It facilitates the design, construction, operation, management, and  maintenance of Federal highways, ensuring that all infrastructure and assets within the designated rights of way are efficiently developed and maintained, leveraging private sector expertise and funding.  It further seeks to enhance road quality, improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and ultimately create a safer and more reliable road transportation network for Nigerians and other users. 

The Benin-Asaba alignment, a 125-kilometre Dual Carriageway beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, serves as a major link between the South-East, the South-South and some parts of the South-West of Nigeria.

It is a vital artery connecting vibrant economic regions of the country.  The total project cost required for the rehabilitation and value-added concession of the Expressway will be funded by the Benin – Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited – Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited Consortium (APPNLC) with a 30-month completion period. 

In attendance were many stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Olufunsho Adebiyi, FNSE,  Directors-General of the  Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), members of the National and State Assemblies.

Others are members of the Edo State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, Party and Opinion Leaders, Market Women, Transport Workers, to mention but a few.