Umahi Orders Arrest of Contractors on Benin-Sapele Road

On Tuesday, during an inspection tour in Benin, David Umahi, the Minister of Works, ordered the arrest of contractors and concessionaires who were removing asphalt from the Benin-Sapele Road without proper authorization. This action was prompted by the road's deplorable condition, which has caused significant hardship for the local population.

Umahi expressed his disappointment with the concessionaire responsible for the road, accusing them of lacking the necessary technical competence to manage the project effectively. He noted that he had previously observed the unauthorized removal of asphalt during an inspection with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Umahi emphasized that the Ministry of Works prohibits such actions, labeling them as “destruction of public infrastructure.” He directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor found engaging in this practice. Furthermore, he stated that President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the suffering of road users and has instructed the Ministry of Works to take necessary actions to restore the road and alleviate the people's difficulties.