The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced plans to inspect the Benin-Asaba road on Tuesday following mounting complaints, protests and severe gridlock caused by the deteriorating condition of the federal highway.

Umahi disclosed this during the flag-off ceremony for the dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road, according to a video shared on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze.

The minister said he would meet with independent engineers, the concessionaire handling the road project and relevant government officials to find an immediate solution to the worsening situation.

“Tomorrow, we are off to Benin-Asaba. I want Nigerians to be assured that when we get there, we’ll solve that problem,” Umahi said.

He attributed the condition of the road to the Federal Government’s efforts to involve private-sector investors in road development through concession arrangements.

“It’s not caused by Ministry of Works; it’s caused by, you know, our attempt to involve private sector in road development, as it’s done in other places,” he said.

Umahi alleged that the concessionaire had removed more than 30 kilometres of asphalt from the highway without completing the rehabilitation work.

“But this concessionaire came and removed over 30 km of the asphalt and threw it away and threw it in the yard and left. And today, people are suffering,” he said.

The minister said he would engage the independent engineers, the concessionaire and the ministry’s legal team, while also holding discussions with the Edo State Government.

“So, there’s going to be a robust engagement, even with the governor of Edo State,” he added.

The planned inspection comes amid growing complaints over the Benin-Agbor section of the highway, where residents, motorists and transport workers have staged protests over prolonged traffic congestion and the poor condition of the road.

The deteriorating state of the highway has reportedly left motorists and travellers stranded for extended periods, with videos circulating online showing vehicles trapped in traffic and some travellers spending nights in their vehicles.

Umahi also disclosed that the Minister of State for Works would visit the Ifaki-Ado-Ekiti road, where part of the federal highway has reportedly collapsed, resulting in severe congestion and leaving articulated vehicles stranded.

He said President Bola Tinubu directed the ministry in 2024 to take over the project after inspecting its condition, adding that the road had subsequently been redesigned.

“We have redesigned it, and when he goes, he’s going to bring up a report, which we will submit to Mr. President,” Umahi said