The Federal Government has kicked-off the reconstruction of the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Expressway, a vital road corridor in the southern part of the country.
According to the statement released, the flag off which took place on Sunday, 21st March 2025, was performed on behalf of the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by the Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo.
In his Address, the Minister of Works, Engr. (Sen.) David Umahi, disclosed the project’s significance in enhancing transportation, economic growth, and regional integration.
According to him, “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.
On behalf of the government and good people of Edo and Delta States, the Minister expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 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, Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for modifying an alternative funding option, outside the national budget, that would guarantee the timely execution of Federal road projects.
Umahi 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.
The Governor also pleaded with Mr President to extend the alignment to the Onitsha Bridge.
In his closing remarks, the Edo Governor commended Federal Govt’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.
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.
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 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, Directors-General of the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
And the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE), members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the Edo State Executive Council, Traditional Rulers, Party and Opinion Leaders, Market Women, Transport Workers, to mention but a few.