FG starts dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road
Umahi
FG starts dualisation of Lokoja-Benin road.
The federal government has launched the dualization of the Obajana Junction-Benin Road following the termination of contracts for Sections II, III, and IV last year due to non-performance and expiration of contract terms.
The previously revoked contracts were re-awarded, and construction was officially flagged off in Ekpoma, Edo State, on Wednesday. Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, disclosed that after briefing President Bola Tinubu on the road’s condition, the President ordered a permanent solution using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, which guarantees durability for 50-100 years.
According to the Minister, the road’s previous failure and high traffic volume had caused immense hardship for commuters, underscoring the urgent need for dualization.
The Lokoja-Benin Road dualization project comprises four sections, with three in Edo State, with Section II (63.70km, Okene to Auchi) awarded to CGC (Nig.) Ltd, Section III (54.224km, Auchi to Ehor) to BUA Construction (Nig.) Ltd, and Section IV (67.9km, Ehor to Benin) to CBC (Nig.) Ltd.
Section I, which runs from Obajana Junction to Ajaokuta Junction, is already in progress under the management of CGC (Nig.) Ltd.
In a statement on Thursday, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, noted that the project had been delayed for too long, causing severe consequences for road users.
Umahi explained that he had repeatedly inspected the road and held meetings with previous contractors, but no progress was made, saying, “Upon reporting back to Mr. President, he ordered an immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the suffering of commuters, which led to the termination of three sections of the project.
“As a vital link between Abuja, the North, and the South-East, South-West, and South-South regions, this road is of strategic importance to the nation’s economy”.
Commending the Edo State Government and its citizens for their cooperation, Umahi acknowledged the Governor’s proactive role in supervising not only state projects but also federal ones.
The Minister expressed admiration for the rapid infrastructural development in the State within just 100 days in office.
While appreciating President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the suffering of road users and communities along the corridor, the Minister urged patience during construction while instructing contractors to expedite work, warning that delays would not be tolerated.
In his remarks, the President’s representative and Governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, commended the administration for prioritizing Edo State’s development while assuring the President of unwavering support for his 2027 re-election.
Similarly, Kogi State’s Deputy Governor, representing Governor Usman Ododo, expressed gratitude for the intervention, pledging reciprocal support in future elections.
Past Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, also lauded President Tinubu’s leadership and Minister Umahi’s dedication to infrastructure development.
