The Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC), concessionaire for the rehabilitation, reconstruction, operation and management of the Benin-Asaba Expressway under the Federal Government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), wishes to provide further clarification following the recent protest along the Benin-Agbor Bypass section of the corridor.

While we respect the right of citizens to express their views peacefully, it is important to provide an accurate picture of the project’s progress, challenges and the measures being implemented to ensure successful delivery.

The Benin-Asaba Expressway is Nigeria’s first operational highway concession under the HDMI programme and is being delivered entirely through private sector funding under a 25-year concession arrangement, with no direct government funding committed to project execution.

Since mobilizing to site in 2025, BAECC has undertaken extensive palliative and rehabilitation works across the 125-kilometre corridor to improve drivability and maintain access for road users while preparations for permanent reconstruction progressed. However, the unusually heavy and prolonged rainfall experienced across the region in recent months has significantly affected major construction activities, particularly earthworks, drainage, pavement stabilization and asphalt laying operations.

A major challenge has been executing reconstruction works on one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors while keeping traffic moving. In several locations where asphalt rehabilitation works were completed, BAECC was often compelled, in the public interest, to reopen sections of the roadway earlier than engineering best practice would ordinarily permit in order to reduce severe traffic congestion and minimize the hardship faced by motorists, commuters and businesses that depend on the route.

While these decisions helped ease traffic pressures, the combination of premature traffic loading, heavy vehicular movement and persistent rainfall contributed to the deterioration of some completed sections. As a result, portions of the works had to be repaired and reinstated repeatedly, resulting in significant additional costs and losses borne entirely by the Company. These actions nevertheless reflected BAECC’s commitment to supporting road users and maintaining traffic flow during construction.

Similarly, in response to public demand for improved road conditions, BAECC undertook substantial pavement improvement works, including cement-stabilized base course and binder course construction in several locations. However, the prolonged rainfall and inadequate drainage conditions along some sections of the corridor adversely affected portions of these works, reinforcing a key engineering principle that durable pavement performance depends on effective drainage infrastructure.

Consequently, BAECC has adjusted its construction programme to prioritize drainage delivery as a critical prerequisite to large-scale permanent pavement works. To support this strategy, the Company is establishing three Concrete Mould Plants, two of which are currently being installed while the third will follow shortly thereafter. These facilities will enable the rapid production and installation of precast concrete drains, culverts and other drainage structures, significantly accelerating drainage construction and providing the foundation required for durable and sustainable road infrastructure.

The completion and optimal operation of these plants will position the project for a substantial acceleration of permanent works immediately after the rainy season. Beginning from October 2026, BAECC will implement an aggressive recovery and acceleration programme focused on drainage completion, pavement reconstruction, asphalt binder and wearing course installation, culvert construction and other permanent road works across multiple sections of the corridor simultaneously.

Additional equipment, personnel and resources are being deployed to maximize productivity during the dry season and recover time impacted by weather-related disruptions. Our objective is clear: to accelerate progress while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and engineering excellence.

BAECC has invested billions of naira in construction equipment, materials, facilities and logistics infrastructure, all financed through private investor funding. The project remains on course, with the 65km Phase One scheduled for completion by April 2027, while the 60km Phase Two is expected approximately eighteen months thereafter.

We remain deeply committed to the people of Edo and Delta States and to the successful delivery of a modern highway that will enhance safety, facilitate trade, reduce travel times and support economic growth across the region and the nation.

BAECC expresses its profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his swift intervention and support in resolving issues arising from the recent protest. We are equally grateful to all stakeholders, host communities and road users for their patience, understanding and continued cooperation.

BAECC remains fully committed to transparency, quality execution and the timely delivery of this landmark infrastructure project. Through the ongoing drainage programme, the deployment of the Concrete Mould Plants and the accelerated dry-season construction plan, we are confident of making significant progress in the months ahead while delivering a durable and world-class highway for present and future generations.

Signed

Management
Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited (BAECC)