BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja
Federal Government has adopted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for the reconstruction of Benin-Asaba expressway.
The Benin-Asaba alignment, a 125 kilometre Dual Carriageway beginning from AIF Roundabout in Benin City, Edo State, and terminating at Summit Junction in Asaba, Delta State, serves as a major link between the South-East, the South-South and some parts of the South-West of Nigeria.
News Rider reports that the total project cost required for the rehabilitation and value-added concession of the expressway will be funded by the Benin - Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited - Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited Consortium (APPNLC), with a 30-month completion period.
The project which is a vital road corridor connecting vibrant economic regions was flagged off on Sunday by Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi disclosed that the project is significant in enhancing transportation, economic growth and regional integration.
He highlighted the Federal Government's commitment in improving road infrastructure as a means of boosting national development and integration, noting that PPP would enhance the safety and efficiency of travel while unlocking the economic potential of the region.
"This project will generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and an improved standard of living for the people. I urge all stakeholders to work collaboratively and ensure the successful and timely completion of this critical infrastructure," he said.
Umahi thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and unwavering support for infrastructure development in the region and the nation at large.
The Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) is a strategic infrastructure development programme of the Federal Ministry of Works, designed to encourage private sector participation in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Federal highways across the country.
Through the Initiative, the government aims to enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and financial sustainability, ensuring that all stakeholders - the government, private investors, and road users - benefit from improved road networks.
Umahi commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Chief Wale Edun, and the Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) for modifying an alternative funding option, outside the national budget that would guarantee the timely execution of Federal road projects.
The Senator representing Edo North and former Governor, H.E. Adams Oshiomole eulogised Mr. President for the life-changing project, promising to vote for him in 2027, overwhelmingly.
As a PPP model, HDMI is structured to attract long-term sustainable investments for the expansion, modernisation, and effective utilisation of Nigeria's road infrastructure.
It facilitates the design, construction, operation, management, and maintenance of Federal highways, ensuring that all infrastructure and assets within the designated rights of way are efficiently developed and maintained, leveraging private sector expertise and funding.
It further seeks to enhance road quality, improve connectivity, boost economic activities, and ultimately create a safer and more reliable road transportation network for Nigerians and other users.
Governor Okpebholo pleaded with Mr President to extend the alignment to Onitsha Bridge.
He commended the Federal Government's commitment to infrastructure development, saying that the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu has prioritised road construction as a catalyst for economic transformation.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Ministries of Works and Finance in driving infrastructure renewal across the country.
"The impact of quality infrastructure cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which socio-economic growth and development are built. I commend President Tinubu’s administration for its visionary leadership in making this project a reality," the Governor added.
The flag-off of the Benin-Asaba Expressway is a giant leap in Nigeria’s journey towards bequeathing a modern, efficient, and well-maintained road infrastructure to the citizens.
The Federal Government remains resolute in completing the project on schedule, ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from improved connectivity and its associated economic opportunities.
This was contained in a press statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mohammed A. Ahmed on Monday in Abuja.
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