The cries of stranded motorists and the groans of broken-down trailers on the Benin–Warri highway echoed in the voices of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, as both men openly lamented the appalling state of federal roads in the State.
The inspection tour, which took place on Thursday, exposed years of neglect that have left commuters battling hardship, accidents and daily gridlock. Governor Okpebholo admitted he “almost wept” when he personally encountered scenes of collapsed vehicles and stranded travellers on the road, while Minister Umahi described the situation as “tragic and unacceptable.”
Umahi did not mince words, stating that no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal roads nationwide without encountering major obstacles. “President Tinubu inherited a mountain of failed roads and bridges, but he is showing courage, commitment and determination to reverse the rot. Nigerians are already acknowledging his efforts,” the Minister said, citing endorsements from leading voices, including Arise TV Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena.
The Works Minister singled out the Edo governor for praise, applauding his decision to take over 23 kilometres of the highway after the termination of Levante Construction Company’s contract under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme. Levante, according to Umahi, only managed four kilometres of concrete work on stable sections of the road while ignoring the most critical segments. The project has since been re-awarded to CBC, whose quality of work Umahi described as “commendable.”
He further disclosed that the Federal Government had ordered the new contractors to raise the road level, reinforce weak sections and deploy concrete technology designed to last between 50 and 100 years. Contractors, he warned, must work day and night, with the Edo Controller of Works directed to provide photographic updates on progress.
Governor Okpebholo echoed the sense of urgency, insisting that both state and federal authorities must act decisively if the ruling party is to retain the trust of the people. “If I do my part and the federal government does its part, nobody will criticise the President. With more contractors on site, this project can be delivered before the next rainy season,” he declared.
The road tour was followed by an Independence Day Dinner in honour of the Minister at the Government House Villa, Benin City. The event, graced by former deputy governors, lawmakers, APC leaders and traditional rulers, produced a dramatic twist: a presidential surprise for Edo State.
To thunderous applause, Minister Umahi announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the inclusion of Edo in the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, awarding the state a 100-kilometre stretch of the mega-road. Until now, Edo was not part of the alignment.
“Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo. This is a special gift to the people of Edo,” Umahi said, describing the decision as a reward for Okpebholo’s “loyalty, leadership and performance.”
The Lagos-Calabar project, handled by Hi-Tech Construction Nigeria Limited, is one of the most ambitious under Tinubu’s administration, spanning multiple states including Lagos (100km), Ogun and Ondo (82km), Akwa Ibom (65km), and Cross River (27km).
Governor Okpebholo, visibly elated, thanked the President for what he called “a turning point in Edo’s infrastructure journey.” He said: “The President treats me like a son. Whenever we request support, he responds with express approval. This 100km coastal highway is proof of his love for our state.”
The governor also lavished praise on the Works Minister, recalling their shared time in the Senate when his very first motion was on Edo’s bad roads. “He is the best Minister for Works Nigeria has ever had,” Okpebholo declared.
For Edo residents, the day was one of tears, hope and promises, an admission of past neglect, but also the beginning of a new infrastructural chapter, anchored by what could become one of Nigeria’s most significant road projects.
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