Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo is facing criticism over the handling of major infrastructure contracts, unpaid contractors and a reported ₦14.15 billion in extra-budgetary spending by government agencies.
The concerns have been raised by opposition groups, civil society organisations and a budget analysis covering the governor’s administration as it enters its second year.
Questions Over Flyover Contracts
Two major flyover projects in Benin City have come under scrutiny. They are the Ramat Park flyover, flagged off in November 2024, and the Adesuwa Junction flyover, launched in October 2025.
Both projects were awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited.
The Coalition of Registered Political Parties (CRPP) accused the government of awarding the contracts through a process it described as “shrouded in secrecy,” alleging that there was no transparent public bidding.
The group has demanded information on the contract sums, newspapers where the tenders were advertised, other companies that submitted bids and the role of First Bank in financing or facilitating the projects.
The CRPP also threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the matter.
Contractors Await Payment
The handling of inherited projects has also become an issue, with critics claiming that some contractors who completed projects approved under former Governor Godwin Obaseki have yet to receive payment.
The Edo State Government has said it is verifying the claims and indicated that it would not rush into settling outstanding obligations without proper checks.
The position has added to concerns about the administration’s approach to inherited contracts and its financial obligations to contractors.
₦14.15bn Spending Raises Questions
Separately, an analysis of Edo State’s fourth-quarter 2025 Budget Performance Report by Premium Times found that the executive, legislature and judiciary spent a combined ₦14.15 billion beyond approved budgetary limits.
The reported excesses involved several government offices, including the Office of the Governor, the Edo State House of Assembly and the Public Building and Maintenance Agency.
Civil society organisation Policy Alert described the spending pattern as a “systemic breakdown in budgetary control.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has also criticised the administration, accusing it of policy paralysis and a lack of measurable achievements.
The concerns have intensified debate over Okpebholo’s flyover projects, Edo State government spending and transparency in the management of public funds as the governor’s administration approaches 18 months in office.
