Federal Government Launches Dualisation of Obajana Junction – Benin Road

The Federal Government has officially launched the dualisation of the Ajaokuta Junction-Okene-Okpella-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road, spanning Kogi and Edo States. This move comes after the termination and re-award of the contracts for Sections II, III, and IV of the Obajana Junction-Benin Road dualisation, due to poor performance and time expiration last year.

During the flag-off ceremony, Minister of Works Engr. David Umahi highlighted that road construction projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration would come with a 50-100 year guarantee.

In a statement by the Ministry of Works’ Director of Information, Mohammed Ahmed, Umahi discussed the road’s long-standing challenges. Speaking in Ekpoma, Edo State, the Minister explained that the road’s deterioration had caused significant hardship for commuters, which prompted President Tinubu to direct a permanent solution. This solution involves using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, ensuring the road’s durability for decades.

Umahi acknowledged the traffic congestion and poor road conditions that have plagued commuters for years, emphasizing the critical need for the road’s dualisation. He also shared that the project’s delays had led to significant consequences for road users.

“Since assuming office, I have visited this road several times and held meetings with the previous contractors, but nothing changed. After reporting to the President, he ordered a permanent solution, which led to the termination of three out of the four sections of the project,” Umahi explained.

He further emphasized that the road, a key part of the East-West Road, holds great importance to President Tinubu. “It serves as a vital link between the Federal Capital (Abuja) and the northern, south-eastern, south-western, and south-south zones of Nigeria, playing a crucial role in enhancing economic activities across these regions,” the Minister added.

Umahi commended Governor Monday Okpebholo and the people of Edo State for their collaborative spirit on the project. He acknowledged the Governor’s involvement in overseeing both state and federal projects, ensuring smooth progress.

While expressing gratitude to President Tinubu for prioritising the road’s rehabilitation, Umahi urged patience from both commuters and residents living along the road’s corridor during the construction phase. He instructed contractors to accelerate work on the project, warning that any delays would not be tolerated.

The dualisation of the Lokoja-Benin Road is divided into four sections, with three of these sections falling under Edo State. Section III, which stretches for 54.224 km, starts from Auchi to Ehor, while Section IV, covering 67.9 km, runs from Ehor to Benin.