By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Federal government of Nigeria has officially flagged off the reconstruction of the 125-kilometer Benin-Asaba Expressway, a crucial road corridor connecting the South-East, South-South, and parts of the South-West regions .
The officially flagoff took place on Sunday, on behalf of the President, Bola Tinubu,by the Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
This was according to a statement signed and issued by Mohammad Abdullahi Ahmed.
The Benin-Asaba Expressway Project is a dual-carriageway, solar-lit road that will be fully funded by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.
Speaking at the event , Minister of Works, David Umahi highlighted the importance of the project, stating that it will enhance the safety and efficiency of travel while unlocking the economic potential of the region.
“This project is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, aimed at enhancing transportation, economic growth, and regional integration”.
Umahi noted that the project is expected to generate significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved standards of living for the people.
Similarly, He officially handed over the Engineering Design and Instruments of Authority for the contract to the Concessionaire, Africa Plus Partners (Nigeria) Limited.
“This includes design, construction, operation, management, and maintenance of the road”.
The Minister stated 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.
He commended the Federal Government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, noting that this project is a testament to the government’s dedication to national development and integration.
“ I urge all stakeholders to work, collaboratively, to ensure the successful and timely completion of this critical infrastructure”.
He also commended the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, and 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.
Also, The Governor of Edo State Monday Okpebholo, commended the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development while
acknowledging the efforts of the Ministries of Works and Finance in driving infrastructure renewal across the country.
The project is part of the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), a strategic infrastructure development program designed to encourage private sector participation in the development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of federal highways across the country.
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