Senate Declares Onyagede–Ogobia Road National Security Project, Seeks Urgent Reconstruction

 

The Senate has declared the Onyagede–Ogobia Road a national security project, urging the Federal Government to commence its immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction to address growing security threats and improve connectivity in the affected communities.

The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Works, which described the road as strategically important to several states and critical to Nigeria’s economic and security interests.

Presenting the report, the committee said the deteriorating condition of the road has contributed to rising security concerns. It cited the June 26, 2026, 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 unidentified gunmen near Okudu village along the Onyagede–Otukpo axis while returning from a security and peacebuilding meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

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The Senate urged the Federal Government to begin emergency repairs without delay and fast-track the road’s reconstruction through adequate budgetary provisions and relevant infrastructure intervention programmes.

Lawmakers also called for the inclusion of proper drainage and erosion control measures in the project to prevent flooding, reduce erosion and minimise future maintenance costs.

Beyond the Onyagede–Ogobia Road, the Senate urged the Federal Government to rehabilitate at least two critical feeder roads in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve transportation, stimulate economic activities and promote balanced infrastructure development nationwide.

Commending the committee’s report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said improved road infrastructure would enhance the movement of people and goods, boost agricultural productivity and strengthen national security by improving access to vulnerable communities.

He directed that copies of the Senate’s resolutions be forwarded to the Minister of Works and the Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Appropriations to facilitate increased budgetary allocations to the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the rehabilitation and maintenance of federal roads.

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole also raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of major federal highways linking Benin City to Asaba, Auchi and Okene, describing them as critical economic corridors that require urgent attention.

Oshiomhole alleged that road interventions by the Ministry of Works had been uneven, with some sections receiving greater attention than others. He urged the ministry to ensure a fair distribution of road projects and provide adequate funding to improve connectivity, facilitate commerce and support economic growth across the affected corridors.

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