The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has flagged off the dualisation of Obajana Junction – Benin road.
Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Mohammed Ahmed disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
TheFact Daily gathered that the contract was previously terminated due to non-performance and effluxion of time, last year and consequently re-awarded.
During the flag-off ceremony held on Wednesday, 19th February in Ekpoma, Edo State, Engr. Umahi gave a brief pathetic history about the road, which moved Mr President to order a permanent solution on the road using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) technology with a 50-100 years guarantee.
He stated that the project had lingered for too long with attendant consequences on the road users.
“As an adjoining part of the East-West road, it is very dear to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. It is, as well, a vital link to the Federal Capital (Abuja) and other Northern States with the South-East, South-West, and South-South geo-political zones of the country, thereby helping to connect and improve economic activities”, he said.
Umahi commended the Governor and the good people of Edo state for the display of team spirit on the project.
In his remarks, the representative of Mr. President and Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo praised Mr. President and the Minister of Works for coming to the aid of the people of Edo State. According to him, with this kind gesture of Mr. Presidemt, light has entered the state.
He promised, on behalf of his people, unalloyed support for Mr President’s re-election in 2027. Also, the Governor of Kogi State being represented by the Deputy Governor thanked Mr. President for the fatherly gesture, assuring him of reciprocity during the elections.
The dualization of Lokoja – Benin Road is in four Sections, but three sections of the road project fall under Edo State. Section II starts from Okene to Auchi, which is about 63.70km long; Section III starts from Auchi – Ehor, which is about 54.224km long, and Section IV, which starts from Ehor – Benin is about 67.9km long.
The Section I (Obajana Junction-Ajaokuta Junction) of the project, which is ongoing, is being handled by Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd. They were also awarded Section II, while Section III is being given to Messrs Bua Construction (Nig.) Ltd. and IV to CBC (Nig.) Ltd.
