ANEEJ Urges Transparency in Benin-Ologbo-Sapele Road Construction Project Following Minister’s Call for Accountability
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. March 11, 2024… Following recent developments concerning the Benin-Ologbo-Sapele Road Construction project, leading civil society organizations in Nigeria commend the proactive stance taken by the Honourable Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, in calling out the private foreign company responsible for the construction.
Mr. Leo Atakpu, Acting Executive Director of the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), lauded the Federal Government’s efforts and emphasized the pressing need for increased transparency in the project to ensure accountability and successful completion.
“The recent statement by the Honorable Minister regarding the potential revocation of the road contract in Edo State has drawn attention to the importance of holding contractors accountable for their obligations to deliver quality infrastructural projects,” said Atakpu. “The Minister’s actions have been widely appreciated by the public and civil society as a step in the right direction towards ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively.”
In response to these developments, ANEEJ and other civil society organizations will launch a public-eye initiative on the Benin-Ologbo-Sapele Road Construction project. This initiative aims to shed light on the progress and challenges of the construction, with a particular focus on the tragic Ologbo fire disaster that occurred last year, resulting in the loss of many lives due to the poor state of the road.
It is imperative that the private foreign company involved in the project fulfills its contractual obligations and delivers a safe and durable road for the communities in the region. To enhance transparency and accountability further, ANEEJ calls on the Honourable Minister to publish the contract details related to the project. By making this information publicly available, civil society organizations, community groups, and concerned citizens will be better equipped to monitor and provide oversight throughout the construction process.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential waste of public resources and the detrimental impact on the lives of the people if the Benin-Ologbo-Sapele Road Construction project is not executed transparently and efficiently,” said Atakpu. “The tragic Ologbo fire disaster serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accountability and quality infrastructure development in our country.”
The success of the Benin-Ologbo-Sapele Road Construction project is crucial for the safety and well-being of the residents in the region. It is unacceptable for any contractor to receive a contract and fail to deliver on their promises. ANEEJ urges all stakeholders involved to work together to ensure that this vital infrastructure project is completed successfully and on time.
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