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Nigerian Senate Summons Works Minister Umahi Over Abandoned Ogbomoso-Oyo Road Project

Nigerian Senate Summons Works Minister Umahi Over Abandoned Ogbomoso-Oyo Road Project
October 2, 2024

The committee aims to uncover the reasons why the project was stopped and to find ways to guarantee the resumption of the road construction.

The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to address concerns regarding the abandonment of the Ogbomoso-Oyo Federal Road project.

 

The Senate's action follows a motion raised on Wednesday, which highlighted the urgent need for the completion of the road, a critical transport route that significantly impacts goods distribution and travel within Nigeria.

 

The Senate Committee on Works, chaired by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers South-East), is tasked with questioning Umahi about the circumstances surrounding the contractor's abandonment of the project.

 

The committee aims to uncover the reasons why the project was stopped and to find ways to guarantee the resumption of the road construction.

 

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North, who sponsored the motion, emphasized the transportation sector's role in ensuring economic stability.

 

He pointed out that a well-functioning road network is essential for regulating market prices and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

 

In addition to summoning Umahi, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to expedite the rehabilitation of the old Ogbomoso-Oyo Road to prevent further deterioration and negative impacts on transportation in the region.

 

He stated that the Senate acknowledges that over the past month, the people of Ogbomoso have faced an unprecedented crisis due to a tragic accident involving petrol tankers.

 

According to him, the incident has caused traffic congestion, rendered many residents homeless, paralyzed local economic activities, and resulted in the loss of lives.

 

The Senate also recognizes that the situation has worsened as commuters have been diverted to the old Ogbomoso-Oyo Road, also known as the Takie-Bowen-Seminary-Emayo-Caretaker Federal Road, while the new Ogbomoso-Oyo Federal Road has been under reconstruction since 2007.

 

Senator Buhari pointed out that although the Federal Government initiated the road reconstruction by assigning different sections to various contractors for expedited completion, the Ogbomoso-Oyo Road remains unfinished.

 

The contractor responsible for that section has abandoned the site, even as other parts have been completed.

 

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