Okpebholo, Umahi decry Edo road decay as Tinubu extends coastal highway to state

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, have expressed deep concern over the deplorable state of federal roads in Edo, describing the plight of motorists as tragic and unacceptable.

The two leaders made the remarks on Thursday during an inspection of the Benin–Warri dual carriageway bypass, where they lamented years of neglect that had left the highway in disrepair.

Minister Umahi noted that no motorist could travel 100 kilometres on federal roads across the country without encountering serious challenges, stressing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited a massive backlog of failed projects but has demonstrated strong resolve to tackle the problem.

“President Tinubu met an overwhelming situation in terms of roads and bridges. You can’t travel 100 kilometres on federal roads without encountering serious difficulties.

“But the President is showing courage, commitment and determination, and Nigerians are already commending his efforts,” Umahi said.

The Minister praised Governor Okpebholo for intervening in critical failed portions of the Benin–Warri road after the termination of Levante Construction Company’s contract under the NNPC Tax Credit Scheme.

He explained that the governor promptly re-awarded 23 kilometres of the project to CBC, whose work he described as commendable.

Umahi disclosed that President Tinubu has ordered that all road projects previously stalled by the suspension of NNPC funding be continued, while also announcing a major federal intervention — the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which will now extend through Edo State.

Later in the day, at an Independence Day dinner hosted in his honour at the Edo Government House, Umahi announced that President Tinubu had approved the inclusion of a 100-kilometre stretch of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway in Edo.

“Mr. President has directed that 100 kilometres by two lanes of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway must now pass through Edo.

“This is a special gift to the people of Edo,” Umahi said, drawing applause from dignitaries.

The project, handled by Hi-Tech Construction Nigeria Limited, is one of the Tinubu administration’s flagship infrastructure projects, with other sections passing through Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states.

Governor Okpebholo hailed the development as a turning point for Edo’s infrastructure, describing President Tinubu as a leader who has consistently supported the state.

“The President treats me like a son. Whenever we request support, he responds with express approval.

“This 100km coastal highway is proof of his love for our state,” the governor said.

Okpebholo also lauded Umahi as “the best Minister for Works Nigeria has ever had,” recalling his first Senate motion on Edo’s poor roads, which he said had now received due attention with Umahi’s appointment.

The governor assured Edo residents that ongoing road works would be completed before the next rainy season, promising durable and lasting infrastructure in collaboration with the federal government.