Umahi says the federal government will redesign the route as a dual carriageway while continuing safety upgrades on the First Niger Bridge.
The Federal Government has taken back responsibility for the Benin–Asaba highway from a concession arrangement, clearing the way for the complete redesign and reconstruction of the 136-kilometer corridor, according to Minister of Works David Umahi.
Umahi announced the decision during the reopening of the First Niger Bridge on the Asaba–Onitsha route. He said President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to develop a comprehensive reconstruction programme, including a dual carriageway and reinforced concrete pavement on sections requiring more durable treatment.
The minister explained that the previous concession under the Highway Development and Management Initiative had prevented direct intervention by the ministry. The government had earlier complained about slow progress and the quality of work on the route. Umahi said the concession obstacle had now been removed, although he did not announce a definitive start date or contract value for the new reconstruction.
He also outlined security and rehabilitation measures at the First Niger Bridge following reports that metal components and bolts had been removed from its structure. Work described by the minister includes resurfacing, median separation, solar lighting, surveillance infrastructure and observation points. Repainting, treatment of corroded areas and some surveillance installations remain outstanding.
Umahi warned against illegal dredging near bridges and called for stronger enforcement. He further said the administration planned to reconstruct about 400 kilometers of the East–West Road, while work continued on the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, the Enugu–Port Harcourt corridor and access roads linked to the Second Niger Bridge.
For motorists and businesses that depend on the Benin–Asaba route, the immediate questions are when detailed designs will be completed, how construction will be financed and how traffic will be managed during the work. The ministry has not yet provided a published delivery timetable in the account supplied.
