The Senate has declared the Onyagede–Ogobia Road a national security project, calling on the Federal Government to immediately begin its rehabilitation and reconstruction to tackle security challenges and improve access to affected communities.
The resolution followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Works, which described the road as strategically important to several states and vital to Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
Presenting the report, the committee said the poor condition of the road had contributed to rising insecurity. It cited the June 26 killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Muhammad, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were ambushed by gunmen along the Onyagede–Otukpo axis while returning from a peace and security meeting.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Government to commence emergency repairs without delay and ensure the road’s full reconstruction through adequate budgetary allocations and relevant intervention programmes.
The Senate also recommended the inclusion of proper drainage and erosion control measures to reduce flooding, prevent erosion and minimise future maintenance costs.
Beyond the Onyagede–Ogobia Road, senators called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate at least two major feeder roads in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to improve transportation, boost economic activities and promote balanced infrastructure development nationwide.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said improved road infrastructure would strengthen national security, enhance the movement of people and goods, and support agricultural productivity by improving access to vulnerable communities.
He directed that the Senate’s resolutions be forwarded to the Minister of Works and the chairmen of the National Assembly Committees on Appropriations to facilitate increased funding for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole also called for urgent rehabilitation of major federal highways linking Benin City with Asaba, Auchi and Okene, describing them as critical economic corridors requiring equitable government attention and funding.