Gridlock Returns to Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa Road As Ohanaeze Youths Seek Urgent Intervention
Gridlock has resurfaced along the Naze axis of the Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, leaving students, motorists and residents facing prolonged delays and worsening transportation difficulties.
The deteriorating condition of the strategic road has made movement increasingly difficult, with motorists reportedly spending hours navigating damaged sections while students and residents of surrounding communities contend with traffic congestion, muddy portions and vehicle damage.
The situation has also renewed concerns about the condition of the road and the sustainability of previous rehabilitation efforts, particularly because the route serves as an important link to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede.
The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has consequently called for urgent intervention by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, and the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, to address the worsening situation.
National President of the OYC, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, said the road was too important to be left solely to the state government because of its connection to two major federal institutions.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Works to intervene, stressing that the road’s condition was having a direct impact on students, workers, residents and businesses operating in the area.
“Although it is a state road, it connects two major federal institutions—Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. The Federal Ministry of Works under Senator David Umahi should intervene and prove its capacity to end the suffering of students, workers and residents, who use this road every day,” Igboayaka said.
He warned that continued deterioration of the road could disrupt academic, commercial and other activities in the affected communities.
According to him, the congestion at the Naze axis had gone beyond an ordinary road-maintenance concern and required immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
“What we are witnessing at Naze axis is a warning signal. When a road serving two major federal institutions becomes almost impassable and traffic begins to build up for hours, it is no longer a minor road-maintenance issue. It is a public emergency requiring immediate government action,” he said.
Residents and students who spoke on the development also expressed concern over the impact of the road’s condition on their daily activities.
One resident said commuters had been forced to leave their homes much earlier than usual because of the uncertainty surrounding travel time.
“Sometimes, a journey that should take a few minutes can take much longer because of the traffic and bad portions of the road. The situation is becoming unbearable,” the resident said.
Another resident said the poor condition of the road was affecting businesses and movement within adjoining communities.
“When the road is bad, everybody suffers. Students suffer, motorists suffer and traders suffer. The government needs to do something before the situation becomes worse,” the resident added.
Efforts to obtain the reaction of the Imo State Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, were unsuccessful as he did not answer calls placed to him or respond to a text message sent to him as of press time.
The renewed gridlock has therefore heightened calls for prompt repairs and sustained maintenance of the road to restore smoother movement and reduce the hardship faced by commuters and residents.
