By Francis Ajuonuma
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has urged motorists, transport operators and residents who depend on the Benin–Agbor–Asaba Expressway to remain calm, expressing confidence that the Federal Government will urgently restore the critical highway.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing immediate intervention on the road, which links the South-South, Southeast and other parts of the country and serves as a major route for the movement of people and goods.
In a statement on Thursday, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and Acting Secretary General, Prof. Chibuikeya Achokawa, said the organisation recognised the hardship caused by the deteriorating condition of the highway.
They cited prolonged traffic congestion, vehicle damage and increased travel difficulties among the challenges confronting road users, stressing that the situation required urgent government action.
Ohanaeze also commended the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, for inspecting the Benin–Asaba corridor on August 25, following the President’s directive.
The group said Umahi’s inspection demonstrated the seriousness attached to resolving the problems on the highway and expressed confidence that the minister would ensure the directive was implemented.
However, Ohanaeze urged the Ministry of Works to conduct a comprehensive assessment of contractors working under the existing concession arrangements to determine their capacity, competence and performance.
The organisation said the presence of construction equipment on the highway must translate into faster progress, given the strategic importance of the road and the urgency of the situation.
It warned that contractors unable to meet required standards and timelines should face appropriate contractual consequences.
“National infrastructure projects of this magnitude cannot be subjected to unnecessary delays, inefficiency, or inadequate performance,” the organisation said.
Ohanaeze said it was particularly concerned that the pace of work should reflect the resources and national importance attached to the project.
The group expressed confidence in Umahi’s approach to project supervision, saying his emphasis on accountability and adherence to standards would help drive the intervention to completion.
It therefore appealed to road users to exercise patience while the Federal Government intensifies efforts to address the condition of the expressway.
“The Federal Government has listened to the concerns of the people,” Ohanaeze said, expressing confidence that the combined efforts of President Tinubu and Umahi would deliver improvements in safety, efficiency and durability on the highway.
The organisation reaffirmed its support for policies aimed at improving national infrastructure, economic development and the welfare of Nigerians.
