Tinubu Moves to Fix Failing Highways, Approves Benin Bypass Reconstruction

President Bola Tinubu has directed the redesign and full reconstruction of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba corridor and other major federal roads across Edo State and adjoining regions as part of efforts to address worsening road conditions affecting transportation, businesses and commuters.

The directive was announced during an inspection of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba road by the Minister of Works, David Umahi. The minister acknowledged the hardship experienced by motorists and residents, describing the condition of the highway as unacceptable and requiring more than temporary repairs.

Umahi said the Federal Government had resolved to undertake a complete reconstruction of the road, stressing that palliative measures would not provide a lasting solution. He added that President Tinubu had approved plans to redesign critical road networks linking Kogi, Edo and Warri, with concrete pavement proposed for the new projects.

During the inspection, the minister criticised the concessionaire handling the road project, accusing the firm of failing to meet required standards and contributing to the deterioration of the highway. He also pledged immediate intervention to restore traffic flow while longer-term reconstruction plans are implemented.

The road, a major economic route connecting several states, has suffered severe damage in recent months, leading to prolonged traffic congestion, increased travel time and higher transportation costs for commuters and businesses.

Motorists and commercial drivers said journeys that previously took less than two hours now stretch to as much as five hours because of gridlock and damaged sections of the highway. Many also reported rising fuel expenses and frequent vehicle repairs caused by the poor road conditions.

Traders and residents along the route said the situation had negatively affected business activities, with some shops recording reduced sales due to flooding, restricted access and transportation challenges. Others noted that increased transport costs had forced them to raise the prices of goods and services.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, inspected damaged sections of the Ifaki-Oye-Kabba and Efon-Iwaraja roads in Ekiti State. He assured residents and motorists that the Federal Government would carry out urgent repairs to restore access and ease the hardship faced by road users.

Goronyo said the administration remained committed to rehabilitating critical road infrastructure nationwide, describing road networks as vital to economic growth, security, agriculture and commerce.

The Federal Government also confirmed that emergency interventions were ongoing on several affected highways across the country, while major road projects are being accelerated to improve connectivity and support economic activities.