The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has said that President Bola Tinubu is committed to rewriting the history of road construction in Nigeria in fulfillment of his Renewed Hope Agenda.
Umahi made this statement during a joint inspection of federal roads across Edo Central and Edo South Senatorial Districts.
The inspection tour took the delegation to Ujuelen, the Ekpoma stretch of the Benin-Auchi-Lokoja Expressway, and Egbele in Uromi, where both leaders expressed deep displeasure at the condition of the roads.
While commending Governor Monday Okpebholo for his ongoing interventions, the minister of Works urged the state government to intensify its support in alleviating the plight of road users.
Umahi formally handed over the completion of one full carriageway from Ewu to Agbor to the Edo State Government, explaining that the Federal Ministry of Works will handle the design, while execution will be managed locally by the state government.
The Minister, who accompanied Governor Okpebholo on a drive through the Benin-Ekpoma axis, praised the governor’s efforts in complementing federal interventions.
He emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to rewriting the history of road construction in Nigeria by prioritising durability and sustainability.
“From Benin to Ekpoma alone is 53 kilometers, and CBC has already begun work on the first stretch, covering 2 kilometers without a single payment made. This is commendable. He stated.
However, CCECC must improve their performance. By Monday, if I do not see efficiency on at least two sections, their contracts will be terminated. President Tinubu is determined to build roads that will last 50 to 100 years, not the short-lived projects of the past,” Umahi declared.
He further applauded BUA International for its handling of the Ekpoma section of the expressway, describing the quality as excellent. He urged the company to accelerate the completion of its first 10 kilometers before October, warning that failure to do so could result in contract terminations nationwide.
Umahi also cautioned federal directors and controllers, insisting that they must leave their offices and monitor projects on-site.
In his remarks, Governor Okpebholo expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising Edo roads, noting that the administration’s renewed focus has inspired confidence among the people.
He described the APC as a progressive party delivering tangible results and assured that Edo’s promise of bloc votes for the president in 2027 is non-negotiable.
The director of Federal Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), Engr. Clement Ogbuagu, also commended BUA International for the quality of work delivered on the 30-kilometer Ekpoma section. He explained that the previous contractor’s poor performance led to contract termination before President Tinubu re-awarded the contract under a tax credit scheme.
Speaking for BUA International, project manager Mohammad Rabiu assured that the new concrete design being used would ensure longevity. “This Ekpoma section was once a death trap. Today, people are smiling. In a few weeks, we will return to commission this project,” he said.
The senior special assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Gift Johnbull, described the project as a direct product of the Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that communities along the route are already feeling the impact of federal attention.
