The Federal Government has handed three options to the contractor handling the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha highway project on the way forward, following widespread concerns over the deteriorating condition of the road.

The development came 24 hours after the Federal Government apologised to Nigerians over the hardship being experienced by motorists using the highway.

The Benin-Asaba highway was consessioned to the Benin-Asaba Expressway Consession Company (BAECC) in 2025 to turn the road to a 10-lane highway.

The first phase of the 10-lane project was scheduled to be completed in March 2027 but the road remained in a horrible state 16 months after the contractor began work. Motorists, including heavy duty vehicles, were stuck on the road for five days due to its bad condition until individuals intervened to fill certain sections with stones.

The options were handed down to BAECC Benin City at a stakeholders meeting held at the Edo State Government House on Wednesday.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, who gave the options said he has assembled three reputable contractors to take over the construction of the highway if BAECC agreed to the terms.

Among the options were for the contractor to be given right of first refusal to toll the road after it (FG) complete construction work with a view to recovering whatever was expended during construction work.

The second option was to terminate the contract due to agreed existed dispute that exist, and all relevant stakeholders would be informed.

Umahi said the third option was for the contractor to bring a contractor working in Nigeria. He, however, said that the government would design and supervise the project. He said the BAECC would toll the road and collect 70 percent while the FG collects 30 percent.

The Works Minister described the options as generous offer, saying, “We are available for trouble.”

“This is a generous offer. If the public sue us and sue you. The court will now determine our fate. Road construction is not content creation. It is not something you smartly engaged in.

“By the concession agreement, we played into the hands of the Concessionaire. There are implications of any decision we take. It is up to the Concessionaire to lower his pride. He is a young man speaking before his elders arrogantly.

“I will asked that you (BAECC CEO) be removed from the site. YOU add no value to the project. The Independent Engineers will take measurement of all works done excluding negative work. We want to plead, we do not see you having the capacity to fix the road. Allow Ministry of Work bring in competent contrators. You have no technical capacity. It is a highly technical job. Its requires committed personal. Give us a written approval to do this.

“You cannot avert public disorder. We have not asked you out of site. Remove all unprofessional staff from site. Dispute has existed, we will be writing you to remedy the default. Reinstate all removed asphault at cost to the client. Remove water directed to the carriage way. Restore free flow of traffic.

Remove the Project Director whose qualification is in doubt. Show us technical competence and proof of road done. before. Remove dust used in the name of stone base. You are to provide technical design for storm water channelisation.”

Umahi also listed areas where BAECC defaulted to include inability to heed instructions of Independent Engineers, refusal to remove unqualified personnel, intentional destruction of national assets, lack of equipment and having incompetent engineers, lacking in knowledge of road construction, creating public disorder and abandoning site without notice to quarators.

Reacting, Head of Legal of BAECC, Peterson Okponam Fabian, described the FG’s options as friendly and collaborative.

Fabian begged for more time for engagement, saying there would be any reasons for investors’ fund to be eroded.