The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday took a significant step to address the slow pace of repairs on the Odukpani-Itu Highway, a crucial road in southern Nigeria. The Senate has instructed its Committee on Works to investigate why the highway repairs have not been completed, despite previous promises and funding allocated for the project in several budget cycles. The committee has been asked to look into how the money for the project has been used over time and to gather information from relevant agencies and contractors involved in the project.
The Senate also called on the government to prioritize the completion of the highway, highlighting the impact that its unfinished state has on the people living in the area and on the broader economic activity of the region. Lawmakers emphasized that finishing the highway would greatly benefit local communities by improving transportation, commerce, and access to important areas like tourist destinations.
Additionally, the Senate made a recommendation to the Federal Government to adjust its policy on using concrete for road construction. They suggested that this policy, which mandates the use of concrete for new roads, should not apply to ongoing projects like the Odukpani-Itu Highway. Instead, they proposed that existing projects be allowed to continue using asphalt to speed up the completion of those roads. This suggestion was aimed at addressing the delays and encouraging faster progress on important infrastructure projects that are currently stuck in limbo.
These decisions followed a motion raised by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, which focused on the urgent need to investigate the delay in the repairs of the Odukpani-Itu Highway. Senator Ekpeyong, who sponsored the motion, was joined by Senator Ekong Sampson, who co-sponsored it. During his presentation, Senator Ekpeyong explained the importance of the Odukpani-Itu Federal Highway. This road serves as a key connection between Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, and Itu in neighboring Akwa Ibom State, linking both states and playing a vital role in transportation and trade within the southeastern and south-south regions of Nigeria.
According to Senator Ekpeyong, the Odukpani-Itu Highway is the main route for moving agricultural products such as cocoa, palm oil, cassava, yams, and bananas from rural farming areas to urban markets. This road is essential for the region’s economy, allowing farmers and businesses to transport goods efficiently. Moreover, the highway also provides access to important tourist destinations, including the Obudu Mountain Resort and the Agbokim Waterfalls, which attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
However, Senator Ekpeyong pointed out that despite its importance, the highway has been in a poor state for many years. Parts of the road remain incomplete, and it has been difficult for the government to finish the repairs, even though funds have been allocated in federal budgets over time. The senator expressed frustration that, despite these repeated promises, the repairs have not been completed, and this has resulted in significant hardship for the people who rely on the highway for their daily activities.
The state of disrepair on the highway has caused major disruptions for commuters, making it more difficult for people to travel between the two states. This has affected businesses and communities, increasing transportation costs and creating further challenges for residents. Senator Ekpeyong stressed that completing the highway should not just be about improving infrastructure, but also fulfilling a moral and economic responsibility to the people of Cross River State and the wider Niger Delta region. He argued that the project is important for both the well-being of the community and the broader national interest.
Furthermore, Senator Ekpeyong highlighted that finishing the repairs on the Odukpani-Itu Highway aligns with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” which seeks to promote economic growth, enhance social welfare, and create jobs across Nigeria. He suggested that completing the highway would help boost the economy of the region by improving market access, supporting small businesses, and creating opportunities for local employment. This, in turn, would benefit the broader Nigerian economy, improving the lives of people in the south-south and southeastern regions.
In response to the motion, several other senators voiced their support. Senators Ekong Sampson, Seriake Dickson, Victor Umeh, and Shaibu Isa Lau all backed the call for an investigation into the delays and emphasized the importance of finishing the road. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, put the motion to a voice vote, and the motion was passed with overwhelming approval.
The Senate’s actions reflect growing concern over the state of infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in the southern regions, where many critical roads and projects remain unfinished. The Odukpani-Itu Highway is just one example of several infrastructure projects that have faced delays, despite the allocation of funds. The Senate’s decision to investigate these delays and push for faster completion of key roads like the Odukpani-Itu Highway is seen as an important move to hold both the government and contractors accountable for the state of the country’s infrastructure.
In summary, the Senate has called for an investigation into the delays in the repairs of the Odukpani-Itu Highway, urging the Committee on Works to find out why the project has not been completed despite repeated budget allocations. The committee is also tasked with looking into how the funds for the project have been used and requesting reports from the relevant agencies and contractors. The Senate has emphasized the importance of completing the highway to improve transportation, support economic growth, and enhance the welfare of local communities. Additionally, they have recommended that the government adjust its policy on the use of concrete for road construction to help speed up the completion of ongoing projects. The motion was sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong and supported by several other senators, showing strong bipartisan concern for the state of the country’s infrastructure.
