The Senate has declared the deteriorating Onyagede-Ogobia Road in Benue State a national security concern, urging the federal government to immediately commence emergency rehabilitation of the critical federal road pending its full reconstruction.
This followed the adoption of the report of the Senate Committees on FERMA and National Security and Intelligence, which investigated the condition of the 28-kilometre road linking communities in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, during plenary on Thursday.
The lawmakers also directed the Federal Government to empower the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake immediate repairs on the failed sections of the road while recommending a comprehensive rehabilitation project estimated at N15.056 billion, inclusive of VAT.
They urged the federal government to ensure that the project is captured under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s infrastructure intervention programmes and adequately funded in the national budget.
As part of measures to address worsening insecurity in the area, the Senate called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the military to increase patrols and surveillance along the road corridor and adjoining communities until rehabilitation is completed.
The upper chamber further recommended that the reconstruction should include adequate drainage systems, culverts, and erosion-control structures to prevent further deterioration, reduce maintenance costs, and guarantee the long-term durability of the road.
To ensure the project’s completion, the Senate resolved to appropriate sufficient funds for the comprehensive reconstruction of the federal road to acceptable engineering standards, while stressing the need for increased funding for legislative oversight to enable relevant committees to continuously monitor the implementation of road projects and ensure value for public expenditure.
Beyond Benue State, the Senate recommended that the Federal Government undertake the rehabilitation of at least two critically failed federal roads in each of the 36 states of the federation, describing the initiative as necessary to improve road safety, boost economic activities, strengthen connectivity, and ensure equitable infrastructure development across the country.
The joint committee observed that only two kilometres of the 28-kilometre road remain in good condition, while the remaining 26 kilometres have suffered extensive deterioration due to years of neglect, failed pavements, severe erosion and inadequate drainage infrastructure.
According to the report, the deplorable condition of the road has hampered security operations, delayed emergency response, increased transportation costs for farmers, restricted access to healthcare and education, and isolated several rural communities.
The committee concluded that the rehabilitation of the Onyagede-Ogobia Road is essential not only for economic development but also for improving security, enhancing mobility, and restoring the livelihoods of residents in the affected communities.
(The Sun)
