‘Why Did You Take The Job?’ Minister Confronts Contractor Over Benin–Auchi Road

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has inspected the Benin–Auchi Road in Edo State following widespread complaints over severe traffic gridlock and the prolonged hardship faced by residents and commuters.

The minister, accompanied by representatives of the Presidency and the National Assembly, visited the road on Tuesday to assess its condition and review ongoing efforts to restore movement along the corridor.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and other state government officials joined the inspection.

The visit came after reports of motorists, including military personnel, being stranded for hours, with some journeys reportedly extending into several days because of the condition of the road.

During the inspection, residents and commuters confronted the authorities with complaints about the prolonged deterioration of the road, describing the impact on businesses, transportation and daily activities.

Speaking at the inspection site, Chairman Ikpoba-Okha Youth Association, Kingsley Osenmwinge appealed to the minister to replace the contractor, alleging that the contractor lacked the capacity to handle the project and accusing authorities of allowing the situation to worsen.

Also speaking on behalf of the contractor handling the project,  Samuel Daramola attributed delays to adverse weather conditions, saying the weather had affected the pace of construction.

He said the contractor had carried out palliative work over several months to clear bad sections and make the road more motorable.

The explanation, however, did not satisfy the Minister of Works, who questioned why the contractor had accepted the project if it lacked the technical capacity to properly execute it.

The minister said the road should have been adequately assessed before the contractor took on the project and insisted that the deterioration could have been prevented through appropriate measures and timely intervention.

Governor Okpebholo, amid growing frustration among residents and youths, appealed for calm and urged residents to remain patient as efforts continue to address the road’s challenges.

The inspection team later visited other critical road corridors in Benin City, including sections of Sapele Road, where reconstruction work is ongoing.

The visit has intensified calls for accelerated work on the affected roads as residents demand lasting solutions to the disruptions caused by the deteriorating infrastructure.