By Ahmed Akanbi
The Senate, on Thursday, called for adequate funding for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to accelerate rehabilitation of critical roads across the country.
The resolution followed consideration of the report of the Senate Committees on FERMA and National Security and Intelligence (NSI) on the Onyagede-Ogobia road off the Otukpo-Oweto highway in Ohimini LGA of Benue State.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Abubakar Abdullahi, (Kebbi North), said only two kilometers of the 28-kilometer road remained motorable after inspection.
Abdullahi said severe structural failure, erosion and poor drainage had rendered most sections impassable. He noted this had disrupted transportation, economic activities, healthcare access, education and security operations.
The committee recommended immediate emergency rehabilitation pending full reconstruction at an estimated cost of N15.06 billion. It also proposed improved drainage, erosion control measures and stronger security presence along the route.
The report further recommended rehabilitating two critical federal roads in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve connectivity, safety and economic development.
In their contributions, senators from Kogi, Lagos, and Bayelsa states supported the report and urged prompt rehabilitation of failed federal roads in their states.
Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, however, advised lawmakers to restrict debate to the committee’s report and present separate motions for roads in their constituencies.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, (Edo North), urged the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise rehabilitation of existing highways before embarking on new road construction.
Oshiomhole decried the deplorable condition of the Benin-Asaba, Benin-Warri and Auchi-Abuja highways, describing them as critical national corridors requiring urgent intervention.
“The Federal Ministry of Works must be properly guided. While many existing federal roads have deteriorated beyond acceptable standards, attention is being shifted to constructing new roads,” he said.
He stressed that sustained maintenance of existing highways is essential for national security, economic growth and movement of people, goods and agricultural produce.
The Senate adopted all committee recommendations, including periodic legislative oversight and increased funding for FERMA.
The chamber also commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing federal road projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, describing them as transformative.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed that copies of the report be forwarded to relevant ministries, FERMA and appropriation committees for implementation and budgetary consideration.