The Nigerian government has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 125-kilometre Benin-Asaba Expressway in the Niger-Delta region of the country.
The flag-off of this important road corridor in southern Nigeria was performed on behalf of the President by the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
At the event, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, explained that the project was vital as it would enhance transportation, economic growth, and regional integration.
“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 Benin–Asaba Expressway Project is more than a road. It is an ambitious dual carriage, solar-lit that is to be fully funded by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement,” Umahi said.
While appreciating President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to infrastructure development in Nigeria, the works minister also commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for modifying an alternative funding option, outside the national budget, that would guarantee the timely execution of federal road projects.
Mr. Umahi officially handed over the Engineering Design and Instruments of Authority for the contract to the Concessionaire, Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited.
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The Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, noted the importance of developing road infrastructure.
“The impact of quality infrastructure cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which socio-economic growth and development are built. I commend President Tinubu’s administration for its visionary leadership in making this project a reality,” the governor said.
Details of the event are contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Works, Mr. Mohammad Ahmed.
Mr. Ahmed stated the government’s commitment to completing the project on schedule, ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from improved connectivity and its associated economic opportunities.
The Benin-Asaba Expressway is a 125-kilometre dual carriageway beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State.
This Expressway serves as a major link between the South-East, the South-South and some parts of the South-West of Nigeria.
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.
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