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 untold hardship to road users.

Umahi also ordered the arrest of contractors, concessionaires and other individuals found removing asphalt from federal roads without authorisation.

The minister offered the apology and issued the directive on Tuesday in Benin during an inspection tour of major roads in Edo State.

Umahi thanked Edo youths for remaining calm despite the hardship caused by the poor condition of the road, noting that their restraint had helped prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.

He expressed disappointment with the concessionaire handling the project, accusing the company of lacking the technical competence required to execute the road construction.

According to the minister, he had personally observed the removal of asphalt from the road during an earlier inspection with Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and had directed the contractor to stop the practice.

Umahi said the Ministry of Works does not permit contractors to remove asphalt from federal roads without authorisation, describing such actions as the destruction of public infrastructure.

He therefore directed all ministry controllers to arrest any contractor or concessionaire found removing asphalt from federal roads without the necessary approval.

The minister said the Federal Government had a responsibility to ensure that concessionaires possessed the required technical competence before being awarded road projects.

Umahi further stated that President Bola Tinubu had taken note of the suffering of road users and directed the Ministry of Works to take all necessary steps to restore the road and reduce the hardship faced by commuters.

He assured residents of Edo and Delta states, as well as other road users, that the road would receive immediate rehabilitation in line with the President’s directive.

Responding, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo appealed to residents and youths in the affected areas to remain patient and exercise restraint over the poor condition of the road.

The Chief Executive Officer of the concessionaire, Samuel Daramola, blamed the slow pace of work on heavy rainfall, saying the company had carried out palliative works to keep traffic moving.

Daramola said the company had expanded sections of the road and was carrying out repairs to address the numerous potholes and improve access for commuters.