By Ayomide Joseph
In a proactive effort to address the severe deterioration of the Benin-Asaba Expressway, the Godwin Obaseki-led Edo state government has finalized a groundbreaking agreement valued at N228 billion. This collaboration involves the Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria and AAA Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, marking a significant step toward the comprehensive reconstruction of the beleaguered expressway.
The road project, according to reports, will be funded by a 25-year Highway Development Management Initiative Concession to Africa Plus Partners, in which the Edo State Government would participate as an equity partner. In swift reaction, many residents of Edo neigbhouring states, including Delta, Anambra are said to have applauded the initiative of the state Governor, describing it as ” a n excellent decision that will bring alive the economic developments of Edo State, generate revenue for the state as well as open up commercial access to neighboring states.”
Governor Obaseki officially sealed the agreement at the Government House in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. He lauded the collaboration as an exemplary financing strategy that has the potential to unlock the nation’s infrastructure development capabilities.
In his remarks, Governor Obaseki emphasized the need for sustained cooperation between the federal government and individual states.
Explaining the logic behind the road reconstruction, the Edo State Governor stated that the road is critical to the country’s economy as it serves as a medium for moving commodities from the Lagos port to South-South and South-Eastern states.
Also, speaking on the re-construction project, Mr Ike Chioke, the Chief Executive Officer of Triple-A Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, stated that the entirety of the Benin-Asaba Expressway would be completely rebuilt as part of the HDMI Concession to Africa Plus Partners, as per the agreement with the state government.
Also speaking on the rehabilitation, Mr Niran Ajakaiye, the Managing Director of Triple-A Infrastructure, assured that the project would be world-class.
He highlighted that the road construction would run from Benin in Edo State to Asaba in Delta State and end at the Second Niger Bridge.
It would be recalled that the terrible status of the federal highways in Edo, which include Benin City, the state capital, has continued to make headlines in recent times.
Consequently, road users, including drivers, passengers, and business owners, have endured immense suffering as a result of the appalling state of all federal road access points into Benin City.
Many small companies have closed as a result of the bad condition of the roads, which has a detrimental effect on people’s lives.
