The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has apologised to commuters and residents of Edo and Delta states over the deplorable condition of the Benin-Sapele Road, which has caused significant hardship for road users.

Umahi also ordered the arrest of the contractor, concessionaire and other persons found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation.

The minister assured residents that the Federal Government would continue to prioritise their welfare and safety, while commending Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his commitment to infrastructure development and intervention in the rehabilitation of federal roads across the state.

Responding, Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in affected communities to remain patient and exercise restraint over the condition of the road.

The governor recalled the poor state of the Benin-Ekpoma Road, saying President Bola Tinubu had promised to reconstruct the road following their meeting and had since fulfilled the commitment.

He stressed that Edo’s strategic location makes it a gateway to several regions of the country, warning that unrest in the state could have wider consequences for Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Samuel Daramola, attributed the slow pace of construction to heavy rainfall, saying the company had resorted to palliative works to ease traffic movement.

Daramola said one of the company’s first interventions after taking over the Benin-Agbor Road project was to expand the road.

He added that palliative works were initially undertaken to address the numerous potholes and improve access for commuters while the broader construction work progresses.