The Senate has declared the Onyagede–Ogobia Road a national security project, calling on the Federal Government to immediately begin its rehabilitation and reconstruction to tackle worsening insecurity and improve movement within the affected communities.
The resolution followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Works, which described the road as a vital route connecting several states and playing an important role in Nigeria’s economic and security landscape.
According to the committee, the poor condition of the road has contributed to growing security challenges in the area.
The lawmakers referenced 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 reportedly ambushed and killed by unidentified gunmen near Okudu village along the Onyagede–Otukpo road while returning from a peace and security meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Following the report, the Senate urged the Federal Government to begin emergency repairs without delay and ensure the road’s reconstruction is fast-tracked through adequate budgetary allocations and relevant infrastructure intervention programmes.
Lawmakers also recommended that the project should include proper drainage systems and erosion control measures to prevent flooding, reduce erosion and minimise future maintenance costs.
Beyond the Onyagede–Ogobia Road, the Senate called on the Federal Government to rehabilitate at least two major feeder roads in each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve transportation, boost economic activities and promote balanced infrastructure development across the country.
Speaking after the report was adopted, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said improved road infrastructure would strengthen national security by making vulnerable communities more accessible while also enhancing the movement of people and goods.
He added that better roads would support agriculture, improve commerce and contribute to national development.
Akpabio further 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).
During the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole also raised concerns over the poor condition of major federal highways linking Benin City, Asaba, Auchi and Okene, describing them as critical economic routes that require urgent government intervention.
He urged the Ministry of Works to ensure a more balanced distribution of road projects across the country and provide sufficient funding to improve connectivity, support commerce and drive economic growth.
