FG starts dualisation of Ajaokuta-Okene-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road

The Nigerian Federal Government has started work on expanding the Ajaokuta-Okene-Auchi-Ekpoma-Benin Road into a dual carriageway. This comes after the previous contract was cancelled and given to new contractors last year due to poor performance.

Minister of Works David Umahi led the project’s launch and explained its history. He shared that President Bola Tinubu ordered a permanent fix for the road using special concrete technology (called Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement) that should last between 50 and 100 years.

The road has been causing major problems for travellers due to its poor condition and heavy traffic. The project had been delayed for a long time, affecting many road users. When Umahi took office, he visited the site and met with the previous contractors, but saw no improvements.

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After reporting these issues to President Tinubu, Umahi was ordered to find an immediate and lasting solution. This led to the cancellation of contracts for three out of the four sections of the road.

The minister emphasized that this East-West road is vital to the President because it connects the Federal Capital (Abuja) and northern states to the southern regions of Nigeria, which helps boost economic activities.

Umahi praised Edo State’s Governor and people for their cooperation on the project. He was particularly impressed with the number of projects completed in the state during the governor’s first 100 days in office. He also warned the new contractors not to delay the work.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State thanked both the President and the Minister for their help.

The road project is divided into four sections, with three sections running through Edo State. Section II runs from Okene to Auchi and is 63.70 kilometres long. Section III stretches from Auchi to Ehor, covering 54.224 kilometres, while Section IV extends from Ehor to Benin for 67.9 kilometres. The first section, from Obajana Junction to Ajaokuta Junction, is currently being built by CGC Nigeria Ltd., who will also handle Section II. BUA Construction Nigeria Ltd. will build Section III, and CBC Nigeria Ltd. will construct Section IV.