The Federal Government, in collaboration with Africa Plus Partners, today flagged off the 125km Benin–Asaba expressway project in Edo State, marking a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development and a testament to the power of private sector partnership.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place at the project site in Benin-City, the Edo State capital, was performed by the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He lauded the financing structure, noting that, “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.”
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, as well as his counterpart from the Ministry of Works, Senator David Umahi.
Speaking at the ceremony, 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.
“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,” Edun said.
He added that the flagship initiative is part of the Tinubu Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, demonstrating how strategic partnerships can unlock long-term value for the economy.
Edun reiterated that this model will be replicated nationwide, saying, “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.”
Also speaking, Umahi described the project as a cashless model, which is not only possible but imminent.
The Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, said in a press release: “The Benin–Asaba expressway project is more than a road. It is an ambitious, dual-carriage, solar-lit superhighway that is fully financed by the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
“The Benin–Asaba expressway is a statement—that with innovative financing and investor confidence, world-class infrastructure is not only possible but imminent
“As the Benin-Asaba expressway project takes shape, it’s clear that this is just the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s infrastructure development. With innovative financing models, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to transparency and efficiency, the future of Nigeria’s infrastructure has never looked.”
