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

The Senate has declared the Onyagede–Ogobia Road a national security project and called on the Federal Government to immediately commence its rehabilitation and reconstruction to address worsening 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 during plenary, the committee said the poor condition of the road has heightened security concerns in the area. 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 and killed by unidentified gunmen near Okudu village along the Onyagede–Otukpo axis while returning from a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to commence emergency repairs without delay and accelerate the road’s full reconstruction through adequate budgetary allocations and relevant infrastructure intervention programmes.

Lawmakers also recommended that the project include effective drainage and erosion control systems to minimise flooding, reduce erosion and lower future maintenance costs.

Beyond the Onyagede–Ogobia Road, the Senate called on 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.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee’s report, stating that improved road infrastructure would enhance the movement of people and goods, increase 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 funding for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) for the rehabilitation and maintenance of federal roads.

During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of major federal highways linking Benin City to Asaba, Auchi and Okene, describing them as critical economic corridors requiring urgent intervention.

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