Umahi Demands Immediate Rectification of Deficiencies, Orders Concessionaire to Restore Smooth Passage in Benin-Asaba Expressway

The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, has expressed concern over what he described as unacceptable deficiencies and failures in executing and managing the Concession Agreement on the Reconstruction and Expansion of the Benin-Asaba Highway.
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He stated this at a Stakeholders Engagement to find a feasible solution to the plight of road users and host communities along the corridor at the Edo State Government House on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026. He stressed that critical national infrastructure must not be allowed to deteriorate through negligence, poor and unprofessional construction practices, or failure to follow instructions.

Engr. Umahi frowned at the Concessionaire, Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company (BAECC), for failing to comply with engineering standards and directives. He also expressed concern at the continued retention of personnel considered unqualified to direct critical project activities, and what he described as actions capable of causing deliberate or avoidable damage to critical national assets.

He further expressed concern over inadequate construction methods and practices that could compromise the integrity and durability of the road. He insisted that the Federal Government would not tolerate practices that undermine the huge investments being made in the nation’s road infrastructure.

The Minister called on BAECC to immediately take corrective measures in order to remedy the problem and alleviate the suffering caused. These include the reinstatement of all damaged asphalt sections and the recreation of safe and properly marked passages for motorists within the carriageway.

He further directed that accumulated water on the carriageway be evacuated, while dust and other materials obstructing visibility and safe movement be removed without further delay.

The Minister emphasised that motorists must not be subjected to unnecessary hardship because of ongoing construction activities, adding that construction operations should be properly managed to maintain safe and reasonable passage for road users at all times.

As part of the corrective measures, Umahi showcased the application of the DSIP and the reinstatement of asphalt as practical interventions towards restoring sections of the road and improving travelling experience.

He urged the Concessionaire to demonstrate greater commitment to the successful delivery of the project, notwithstanding the challenges posed by the current rainy season and high volume of traffic.

In his address, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, commended the Minister for his proactive leadership and inspection-driven approach. He decried the hardship faced by motorists and host communities due to the poor state of the road.

Senator Onyesoh assured that the National Assembly would provide legislative backing and oversight to ensure that Concessionaires comply fully with the terms of their agreements. He called for strict sanctions against defaulters and urged BAECC to prioritise the welfare of road users above profit.

Also speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, lamented the suffering of commuters and the economic losses recorded daily along the corridor. He noted that the House of Representatives would not hesitate to invoke its oversight powers to compel compliance.

Hon. Alabi stressed the need for transparency, timely intervention, and the use of competent contractors to deliver quality and durable roads that reflect the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The Independent Engineer (IE) for the project, Messrs Yolas Consultants Limited in its technical briefing, identified key deficiencies in pavement quality, drainage, and traffic management. They strongly called for synergy among all stakeholders and the adoption of smooth operational guidelines to ensure that remedial works are executed without further delay and, in line with approved specifications.

In the same vein, the SSA-P on Community Engagement, South South Zone, BPE, ICRC, and PPP-FMW, separately, expressed concerns of host communities over accidents, flooding, and disruptions to local businesses. They appealed for better communication with communities and for smooth operational guidelines that would minimise hardship during the period of construction, while ensuring the successful delivery of all road projects across the six geopolitical zones.

The Concessionaire, in response, assured the Minister of their commitment to addressing the identified challenges and implementing the necessary corrective measures to improve the condition and functionality of the corridor.

The Minister reiterated that the objective of the Federal Government was not merely to execute road projects but to ensure that projects are delivered according to acceptable engineering standards, using competent personnel, appropriate construction methods and durable materials.

Engr. Umahi, therefore, called for stronger professional oversight and accountability in the management of major road projects, noting that national assets must be protected from avoidable deterioration.

He reiterated the need to ensure that only competent and qualified contractors and professionals are engaged to reset, rehabilitate and complete critical sections of the Benin–Asaba Expressway, in accordance with approved specifications and engineering standards.

Umahi

The Minister concluded by guaranteeing that the Federal Government remains committed to restoring the nation’s major road corridors and ensuring that Nigerians get value for the substantial resources being invested in road infrastructure, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

In his closing remarks at the Engagement, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo advised the Concessionaire to, always, put the welfare of the people above profit, emphasising that no Nigerians should be made to suffer, unnecessarily. He praised Mr. President and the Minister for the quick and effective response to the cries of his people and road users.

Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
27 August, 2026.
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Tinubu Government Unveils $1 Billion HOPE-SP Initiative, Shifts Humanitarian Support from Palliatives to Sustainable Pathways

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has officially unveiled and launched the $1 billion Household Prosperity and Economic Social Protection Project (HOPE-SP), themed “From Palliatives to Pathways,” alongside key reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s social protection and humanitarian response architecture.
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The Special Guest of Honour, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON, while unveiling the initiatives on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, commended the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro and his team for his commitment to transforming humanitarian interventions from temporary assistance into sustainable pathways to recovery, empowerment and self-reliance.

She noted that, the initiatives are designed to improve the identification, targeting and support of vulnerable households, strengthen coordination across humanitarian and poverty-reduction programmes, provide shock-responsive assistance, and promote accountability and measurable outcomes.

In his presentation, the Honourable Minister, Dr. Doro, said, the launch represents a strategic shift *“from palliatives to pathways”,* placing vulnerable households, rather than individual programmes, at the centre of government interventions.

Dr. Doro explained that, the reform seeks to address fragmentation, duplication and multiple uncoordinated registries by establishing a unified national architecture linking identification, needs assessment, targeted intervention, protection, empowerment, poverty graduation and sustainable growth.

The Minister stated that, the One Humanitarian, One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS) will serve as a major system reform, bringing humanitarian response, social protection and poverty reduction interventions into a coordinated national framework supported by unified registries, digital delivery systems, improved financing, stronger institutions, accountability and real-time intelligence.

Other initiatives unveiled included the Emergency Shock-Responsive Cash Transfer, the FMHAPR Ministerial Blueprint, and the Humanitarian First Magazine, which will document the experiences and impact of government interventions on beneficiaries.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, said, the initiatives would strengthen coordination and accountability stressing that, the ultimate measure of success would be the tangible difference made in the lives of vulnerable Nigerians.

First Lady

Goodwill messages were delivered by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum on behalf of other Governors and sub-national governments, the Hon. Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar A. Bagudu, the former Minister of State, Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu,
the European Union, World Bank, other international development partners all commended the federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s social protection and Humanitarian systems.

The event featured a cultural performance by the Irigwe New Wave Dance Troupe from Plateau State.

Janet McDickson Noah
Director, Information & Public Relations
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Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Others Grace Shekina and Shope’s Wedding in Lagos

It was a celebration of love, family, friendship and distinguished personalities in Lagos on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
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Shekina, a niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.

The wedding brought together governors, senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country to celebrate the young couple.

The Honourable Minister of Works, who also serves as the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was present at the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds and was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.

In his opening remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Governor Alex Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and urged the newlyweds to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance as they begin their journey together.

With humour, the Abia State Governor stressed the permanence of marriage, telling the couple that they should approach their union with a strong commitment to making it work.

“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.

In separate remarks, the parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.

They praised Shekina and Shope for distinguishing themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, describing them as outstanding young people who had continued to make their families proud.

They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in their marriage and wished them a fulfilling life together.

The Umahi family also formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.

On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.

The ceremony attracted a gathering of political leaders, statesmen and captains of industry.

Other governors present at the event included the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.

Among the captains of industry, statesmen and
other distinguished personalities at the occasion were Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.

The Ministry of Works was also represented at the ceremony, with the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs, among others, joining in the celebration.

Umahi, Sanwo-Olu

Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.

The wedding provided a memorable gathering of the two families, their friends and well-wishers, with guests celebrating the union and offering prayers and goodwill for a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.

Francis Nwaze, FIPMD
Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media)
Sunday 23, 2026
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