FG flags off privately financed Benin–Asaba Expressway

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has officially launched the construction of the 125km Benin–Asaba Expressway in Edo State, a dual-carriage, solar-lit superhighway fully funded by private investors under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, described the project as a landmark achievement in infrastructure financing.

He assured that the project would be completed as planned, emphasizing that funding is fully secured through private sector investment rather than federal government allocations.

“This is not reliant on direct federal funding,” Edun said. “Africa Plus Consortium, backed by credible investors, has put forward the full capital commitment under the enabling policies of President Bola Tinubu.”

The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, highlighted the project’s significance as a model for future infrastructure development, while Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who represented President Tinubu at the event, praised the initiative as a “legacy project” that demonstrates investor confidence in Nigeria’s economic future.

Edun further noted that the PPP model used for this expressway would be replicated across the country to drive rapid infrastructure development.

The Benin–Asaba Expressway is set to become a benchmark for innovative financing in Nigeria, showcasing how strategic partnerships can deliver world-class infrastructure efficiently and transparently.