Tinubu orders use of concrete technology for Obajana-Benin road upgrade

By Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

Following the termination of contracts for Sections II, III, and IV of the dualisation of the Obajana Junction–Benin Road last year due to non-performance and the effluxion of time, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the adoption of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology, guaranteeing a lifespan of 50–100 years.

During the project’s flag-off in Edo State, Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, highlighted the hardships faced by commuters and motorists due to the road’s failure and high traffic volume, necessitating its dualisation.

Umahi noted that the project had lingered for too long, negatively affecting road users. He explained that since assuming office, he had frequently visited the road and held several meetings with the former contractors, but no improvements were made.

“Upon reporting back to Mr President, he ordered an immediate and permanent solution to alleviate the suffering, leading to the termination of three out of the four sections of the entire alignment,” Umahi said.

He stressed the strategic importance of the road as an extension of the East-West Road and a vital link between the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and the northern states to the south-east, south-west, and south-south zones, promoting economic connectivity.

Umahi commended the Edo State governor and its people for their team spirit, noting the governor’s dedication to monitoring both state and federal projects. He praised the significant number of projects completed within the governor’s first 100 days in office, celebrated on the same day as the project flag-off.

The minister also thanked President Tinubu for his concern for the plight of road users and residents along the corridor, urging them to exercise patience during the construction of additional lanes and the reconstruction of the existing alignment. He directed contractors to fast-track the work, warning that delays would not be tolerated.

Representing the president, Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, praised both President Tinubu and the Minister of Works for their intervention, declaring, “With this project, light has entered Edo State.” He pledged his people’s unwavering support for the president’s re-election in 2027.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, representing the state’s governor, also expressed gratitude to the president for his fatherly concern, assuring him of electoral support.

Former Edo State Governor and current senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, commended President Tinubu’s generosity and Engineer Umahi’s dedication, expressing gratitude for witnessing the day.

The Lokoja–Benin Road dualisation is divided into four sections, with three sections located in Edo State. Section II spans from Okene to Auchi (63.70 km), Section III covers Auchi to Ehor (54.224 km), and Section IV stretches from Ehor to Benin (67.9 km).

Section I (Obajana Junction–Ajaokuta Junction), still ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nigeria) Limited, who also hold the contract for Section II. Section III has been awarded to Messrs Bua Construction (Nigeria) Ltd., while CBC (Nigeria) Limited is managing Section IV.