By Jelili Gbadamosi
The Nigerian Senate has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Onitsha–Ogbaru–Ndoni Federal Highway, warning that its continued neglect is hurting interstate commerce, increasing transportation costs and exposing road users to security risks.
The highway, which connects Anambra State with Rivers State and serves as an important link between the South-East and South-South regions, was the subject of a motion sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District.
Nwoye said the road, which was partially constructed in the late 1980s, had suffered decades of neglect and lacked major rehabilitation despite its strategic importance.
According to him, the route has been reduced to a deplorable condition, with extensive pavement failures, deep potholes and severe erosion making movement increasingly difficult for commuters and businesses.
He noted that the deterioration had nearly doubled travel time along the approximately 70-kilometre route between Onitsha, Ogbaru and Ndoni, with a journey that previously took about one hour now taking close to two hours.
Nwoye said the situation had resulted in increased transport costs, loss of productive hours and disruptions to commercial activities, while frequent vehicle breakdowns on failed portions of the highway had further exposed motorists to accidents and security threats.
The senator also highlighted the economic significance of the road, particularly its connection to oil and gas exploration and production activities in the Ogbaru oil belt.
He warned that continued abandonment of the highway could further undermine agricultural activities, interstate trade, regional integration and investment across the two geopolitical zones.
Following the motion, the Senate called on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately carry out emergency repairs on the failed sections of the highway.
It also urged the Federal Ministry of Works or the South-East Development Commission to intervene with palliative measures pending the comprehensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road.
The Senate further directed the Federal Ministry of Works to commence the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the highway under a special intervention programme or another appropriate funding arrangement.
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Works was mandated to inspect the road, consult relevant stakeholders and submit its findings and recommendations to the Senate within four weeks.
The Committees on Works and Appropriations were also directed to ensure adequate funding is provided for the complete rehabilitation and reconstruction of the strategic highway.
