WorldStage Newsonline– Africa Plus Partners, a Nigeria-based asset and fund management firm has announced that the newly flagged-off 125-kilometer ultra-modern Benin-Asaba expressway will be completed within 30 months
The Managing Director of the company, Mr Adeniran Ajakaiye while speaking at the official handover of the project site to his company in Benin, described the road as a major economic corridor designed to connect multiple regions.
He assured that the expressway would meet world-class standards, ensuring safety, durability, and efficiency for all users.
According to Ajakaiye, the road will feature a 10-lane carriageway, consisting of five lanes on each side, including three main carriageways and two service lanes in city areas.
“A tolling system to ensure proper maintenance for the next 25 years under a concession agreement.”
He said some of the features would include adequate corridor control to prevent unauthorised access and preserve road integrity.
“Solar-powered street lighting for sustainability, illumination, and a reduced carbon footprint.
“Enhanced security measures, including CCTV surveillance, patrol teams, and emergency response units, to ensure user safety.”
Ajakaiye noted that the project would create jobs, open new economic opportunities, and significantly reduce travel time upon completion.
He also highlighted the importance of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models in driving infrastructure development in Nigeria.
“With a 30-month construction timeline, we are committed to delivering this project on schedule and maintaining it efficiently over the next 25 years.
“Unlike conventional government-built roads, where maintenance is often delayed due to budget constraints, this model ensures continuous upkeep and service delivery,” he added.
He urged government agencies, investors, host communities, and road users to support the project for its successful execution.
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, who flagged off the project on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, emphasised the economic importance of Edo as a gateway to several states.
Okpebholo praised the president for initiating the project and declaring a state of emergency in Rivers, describing it as a crucial decision for the nation’s economy.
“Mr President, I commend your decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers. That singular decision has saved the economy of this nation,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, saying, “By 2027, I will deliver Edo for Mr. President.”
The Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, in his remarks, stated that the project fell under the Federal Government’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), a programme.
According to him, the project is designed to involve the private sector in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of 35,000 kilometers of federal roads across Nigeria.
“There are no sections of the roads across the country that the president is not working on. Work on the four sections of the Benin-Lokoja road has also begun,” Umahi said.
He said that PPP arrangements were the way forward for Nigeria’s infrastructure development and commended Gov. Okpebholo for transforming Edo into an infrastructure hub in less than 100 days in office.
“You are a divine governor because, under you, the president is constructing roads in Edo,” he added.
Umahi also commended Africa Plus Partners for their commitment to the project, revealing that over 100 investors expressed interest, but Africa Plus Partners were the first to provide funding.
Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme.
Oborevwori thanked President Tinubu for the project and appealed for an extension of the road beyond Summit Junction to the Onitsha Bridge in Asaba.
Among prominent dignitaries in attendance were, former Gov. Adams Oshiomhole, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr Olufunso Adebiyi.
