House Urges FG to Declare State of Emergency on Deplorable Agbede, Okpella Sections of Benin-Okene Highway
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on the Agbede and Okpella sections of the Benin-Okene Federal Highway in Edo State over their deplorable condition and the hardship being experienced by motorists and residents.
The call followed a motion sponsored by Anamero Dekeri, member representing Etsako Federal Constituency, who drew the attention of the House to the deteriorating state of the critical highway, describing the situation as alarming and requiring urgent government intervention.
Moving the motion, Anamero expressed concern that the failed portions of the road have made transportation increasingly difficult, hazardous and unpredictable, subjecting motorists, commercial drivers, commuters and other road users to prolonged delays and unnecessary hardship.
The lawmaker observed that journeys which ordinarily should take a relatively short time now extend into several hours and, in some cases, days, resulting in physical exhaustion, loss of productive time, increased transportation costs and disruption of economic activities.
He also expressed concern over the plight of residents and communities along the affected sections, noting that persistent traffic congestion, excessive dust and noise generated by the movement of vehicles have negatively affected their daily lives and public health.
He further noted that the deplorable condition of the highway has become so severe that some residents have been compelled to abandon their homes and relocate to safer and more accessible areas.
Describing the Benin-Okene Federal Highway as a strategic transportation corridor connecting the Southern and Northern regions of the country, the lawmaker warned that its continued deterioration poses serious economic and security concerns for the nation.
The lawmaker cautioned that failure to urgently address the situation could result in avoidable loss of lives, displacement of residents, damage to property and further economic hardship for communities along the route.
Consequently, the House urged the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on the affected sections to facilitate immediate and comprehensive intervention beyond routine road maintenance.
It also called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently mobilise contractors and provide the necessary funding and technical support for the immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation of the failed portions.
Additionally, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works to provide safe and accessible alternative routes for residents of Agbede and Okpella, particularly those whose homes and communities have been cut off by the damaged highway.
The lawmakers stressed that such alternative routes would enable affected residents to access their homes, conduct their daily activities and reduce the hardship imposed by the failed sections of the road.
To ensure compliance, the House mandated its Committees on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to monitor the implementation of the resolutions and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
