Nigeria: Highways of Horror - Motorists Wail, Spend 4 Days On Benin-Asaba Road

What the report says

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Works said it will review concession agreements for major roads after worsening conditions on the Benin-Asaba highway drew public anger and left motorists stranded for days. The report, published by Vanguard and carried by AllAfrica, said Works Minister David Umahi inspected the corridor in Edo State and criticized the concession company, BAECC, for poor execution of the project.

According to the article, commuters traveling between Benin, Agbor and Asaba faced long gridlock, diversions and failed sections of road that significantly extended travel times. Several travelers said they spent one to three days on the route, while a logistics driver described delays in moving cargo and raised concerns about damaged goods and vehicle breakdowns. Residents and local groups also said the road disruption has hurt businesses and movement in the area.

Umahi said the company had not handled the work properly and that the ministry would seek a short-term contractor to make the road passable. He also urged a stakeholder meeting to address the situation. The article says BAECC defended its pace by pointing to heavy rains, dense traffic and technical challenges, while a House of Representatives committee chair called for a wider review of road concessions and immediate palliative work.

The Benin-Asaba road was reportedly concessioned in 2025, with a longer-term plan to expand and toll the highway over many years. The dispute highlights broader frustration over deteriorating federal roads in Nigeria, especially ahead of the festive travel season.