Benin, Nigeria | March 23, 2025 – Africa Plus Partners, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works, has officially flagged off the Benin-Asaba Expressway re-development project, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).
This 125-kilometre corridor, part of HDMI Phase 1, is a crucial component of the Federal Government’s highways programme, ensuring the sustainable development, maintenance, and world-class management of vital road infrastructure.
Leadership Endorsements
Speaking at the event, Engr. Olufunso Olusesan Adebiyi, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works, emphasized the strategic importance of the expressway and the rigorous process that led to its concession.
“The Benin-Asaba highway is a crucial link between the Southern and Northern regions, vital for trade and other economic activities. Recognizing that the highway is an essential part of the nation’s economic backbone and has long been in need of urgent rehabilitation and upgrade, the Federal Ministry of Works is pleased to hand over this corridor to the Concessionaire, Benin-Asaba Expressway Concession Company Limited, having gone through a rigorous and transparent Public-Private Partnership (PPP) process,” Adebiyi said.
Sen. David Umahi, Honourable Minister of Works, underscored the Federal Government’s vision for modernizing infrastructure and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering a robust and interconnected infrastructure that promotes ease of movement, strengthens the economy, and ensures a self-sustaining transport network that supports growth for generations to come,” Umahi stated.
Also speaking at the event, His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, standing in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, praised the private sector-led financing structure underpinning the project.
“This is a legacy project. For private investors to risk their capital, it shows belief in the president’s vision and the future of our economy,” Okpebholo said.
The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, described the project as a milestone in infrastructure financing.
“What you see on the front page of the pamphlet will be delivered—because the cash is there,” Edun affirmed. “This is not reliant on direct federal funding. Africa Plus Consortium, backed by credible investors, has put forward the full capital commitment under the enabling policies of President Bola Tinubu. This is just one of many projects that will be delivered week after week, month after month, through sustainable financial frameworks that ensure transparency, efficiency, and speed.”
Private Sector Commitment to Sustainability
Anhad Narula, Chairman of Africa Plus Partners, highlighted the company’s focus on delivering infrastructure that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
“A road like this should do more than connect cities—it should create value. With solar-powered streetlights and CNG-powered facilities, we’re ensuring 24/7 reliability while lowering emissions. It’s about building infrastructure that lasts, serves communities, and pays for itself over time,” Narula stated.
Building for the Future
Adeniran Ajakaiye, CEO of Africa Plus Partners, expressed appreciation for the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, for their role in making the HDMI programme a reality.
“This highway is a blueprint for how Nigeria should build roads—efficiently, sustainably, and with long-term capital. With strong local engagement and private sector discipline, we will ensure that we deliver transformative impact.”, Ajakaiye said.
