The Nigerian Senate has called for the urgent rehabilitation of the Onitsha–Ogbaru–Ndoni Federal Highway, which connects Anambra State to Rivers State.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye, who represents Anambra North Senatorial District, pursuant to Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders.
Presenting the motion, Nwoye described the Onitsha–Iyiowa–Odekpe–Atani–Ogwuikpele–Ndoni Federal Highway as a strategic federal road linking the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones.
He explained that the road was partially constructed in the late 1980s but had suffered decades of neglect without major rehabilitation.
Nwoye noted that prolonged abandonment, ageing infrastructure, increasing traffic volume and the absence of routine maintenance had left the highway in a deplorable condition, characterised by extensive pavement failures, deep potholes and severe erosion.
He warned that the condition of the road posed serious risks to the lives and property of commuters and other road users.
According to him, the deteriorating highway had significantly increased travel time, with a journey of approximately 70 kilometres from Onitsha to Ogbaru and Ndoni, which ordinarily takes about one hour, now taking nearly two hours.
He said the situation had resulted in higher transportation costs, loss of productive man-hours and disruptions to commercial activities.
“The failed sections of the highway frequently cause vehicles to break down and remain stranded for prolonged periods, thereby exposing commuters to road traffic accidents and heightened security risks,” he said.
The senator also highlighted the highway’s economic importance, noting that it serves as a vital corridor for oil and gas exploration and production activities in the Ogbaru oil belt, contributing to Nigeria’s economy and gross domestic product.
He expressed concern that the continued neglect of the road had affected interstate commerce, agricultural value chains, regional integration and investment.
Following the motion, the Senate urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out emergency palliative repairs on failed and unmotorable sections of the highway.
Alternatively, it called for the South-East Development Commission or the Federal Ministry of Works to be mandated to undertake the repairs pending comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The Senate also urged the Federal Ministry of Works to commence immediate rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Ogbaru–Iyiowa–Odekpe–Atani–Ogwuikpele–Ndoni Federal Highway through a special intervention programme or another appropriate funding arrangement.
Furthermore, it mandated the Senate Committee on Works to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the highway, engage relevant stakeholders and submit a report with recommendations within four weeks.
The Senate also directed its Committees on Works and Appropriations to ensure adequate budgetary provision for the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of the highway.
