Minister of Works David Umahi has expressed disappointment with the concessionaire handling the Benin–Agbor section of the Benin-Asaba highway, admitting that the government bears responsibility for shortcomings in the project.
Umahi made the remarks during an inspection visit to the Benin–Agbor road, where he criticised the pace and quality of construction and acknowledged concerns over the performance of the concessionaire.
“You are learning how to do construction on our road. I am very disappointed with the concessionaire, but I take full responsibility for the misdeed,” Umahi said.
The minister’s comments highlight growing pressure on contractors and concessionaires delivering major road projects as the Federal Government seeks to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.
The Benin–Agbor corridor forms part of the strategic road network linking Edo and Delta states and serves as an important route for the movement of people and goods between the South-South and other parts of the country.
Umahi’s admission also reflects the ministry’s broader push for closer monitoring of road projects and greater accountability among contractors working under government-backed arrangements.
The Works Ministry has repeatedly stressed the need for contractors to meet agreed construction standards and timelines, particularly on major highways with significant economic and commercial importance.
For businesses and transport operators, delays or poor road conditions along the corridor can increase travel times, vehicle operating costs and logistics expenses, adding to the cost of moving goods across the region.
The minister’s decision to take responsibility while publicly expressing dissatisfaction with the concessionaire could therefore increase scrutiny of the project’s execution and place greater pressure on the parties responsible for delivering the road.
