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Daramola: Benin-Asaba Expressway Construction on Course Despite Rain, Traffic Challenges*
By prince Benson Davies
The Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited, BAECC, has asked motorists and host communities along the 125-kilometre corridor to exercise patience as it ramps up permanent works on the highway following the rainy season.
In a statement released today, Chief Executive Officer of BAECC, Samuel Daramola, said the company remains fully committed to delivering the project under its 36-month construction programme, despite the challenges of heavy rainfall and managing traffic on one of Nigeria’s busiest roads.
“We recognise the inconvenience that motorists and communities have experienced, and we do not take their concerns lightly,” Daramola stated. “Our responsibility is not only to build the permanent road but also to do everything reasonably possible to keep people moving while construction is taking place.”
The project involves full reconstruction and expansion of the expressway. Scope of work includes earthworks, drainage systems, pavement construction, culverts, traffic management and the installation of production facilities.
BAECC said significant progress has already been made across different sections. Activities completed so far include subgrade preparation, drainage and culvert works, asphalt and binder-course laying, and carriageway expansion. The company has also mobilised asphalt plants, concrete batching plants, paving equipment, Wet Mix Macadam plants and other specialized machinery to site.
According to BAECC, billions of naira in private-sector investment have been committed to equipment, materials, logistics and supporting infrastructure for the project.
Daramola explained that much of the work done so far may not be visible to road users, but it is critical to the durability of the final road.
“A project of this magnitude is built in stages. Before the travelling public sees kilometres of finished asphalt, there must be drainage, earthworks, pavement preparation, production plants and equipment mobilisation,” he said.
The CEO identified persistent rainfall as the major constraint in recent months. He noted that saturated ground conditions have slowed earthworks, pavement stabilisation and asphalt operations. However, he stressed that construction has not stopped.
“Where permanent pavement operations are restricted by rainfall, our teams continue with other engineering activities and palliative interventions,” Daramola said.
He added that keeping the corridor open to thousands of motorists, buses, and trucks daily has also complicated the work. On several occasions, the company said it had to reopen treated sections earlier than planned to ease congestion.
“We are building and managing traffic at the same time. There are occasions when engineering considerations would favour keeping a section closed for longer, but the realities facing motorists require us to reopen the road,” he explained.
BAECC confirmed that palliative works will continue on difficult portions to reduce hardship while permanent reconstruction advances.
The company announced plans for a major acceleration of work from October as weather conditions improve. The dry season push will focus on drainage completion, pavement reconstruction, asphalt binder and wearing-course installation, and culvert works across multiple sections. Additional personnel and equipment are being mobilised to take advantage of the window.
“As the rains recede, Nigerians will see a significant acceleration of permanent works,” Daramola assured.
He appealed to motorists and communities to assess the project based on its overall programme, not just current difficulties.
“We are not asking anyone to ignore the present difficulties. We recognise them and are addressing them. What we ask for is the time and opportunity to deliver the project within the construction programme. Judge us ultimately by the quality, durability and safety of the highway we deliver,” he said.
BAECC also reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Federal Government, relevant agencies and host communities to deliver a safe and reliable highway.
“The road people see during construction is not the road they will see at completion. We ask for a little more patience and the opportunity to complete what we have started,” Daramola concluded.
