The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has ordered the arrest of contractors and concessionaires found removing asphalt from existing federal roads without proper authorisation.

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection of major roads in Edo State, where he raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba highway.

The minister said contractors were not permitted to remove asphalt from existing federal roads without approval, describing such actions as damage to public infrastructure.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the concessionaire responsible for the affected road, questioning the company’s technical capacity and ability to properly handle the project.

According to Umahi, the road was in a considerably better condition before it was handed over to the concessionaire, but the removal of asphalt and poor execution had contributed to its current state.

He apologised to commuters and residents in Edo and Delta states for the difficulties caused by the poor condition of the highway.

The minister disclosed that President Bola Tinubu had instructed the Ministry of Works to take urgent measures to rehabilitate the road and ease the hardship faced by motorists.

Umahi emphasised that the welfare of Nigerians would remain a priority, stressing that concession arrangements should not be allowed to work against the public interest.

He further instructed Federal Controllers of Works and other ministry officials nationwide to closely monitor contractors and ensure compliance with approved construction standards.

The minister warned that contractors found removing asphalt from federal roads without official approval would face arrest.

He said the government would engage capable contractors to carry out rehabilitation work and restore damaged sections of the affected roads.

Umahi also praised Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo for his intervention in the rehabilitation of federal roads and appealed to residents to remain patient as efforts continue to resolve the crisis.