Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central Senatorial District on Wednesday moved a motion on the “Need for Special Intervention by the Senate to urge the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite action and complete the rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road to relieve the suffering of Nigerian motorists and address insecurity in the area”
Sen Akobundu noted that “the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, a major link between Abia State and Akwa Ibom State through Ikwuano LGA, has been in a deplorable state of disrepair for over 30 years, and that despite efforts by successive governments at both federal and State levels to provide remedial interventions, the road has remained in poor condition for reasons that appear inexplicable.”
He expressed worry that “Many dilapidated sections of the road have further deteriorated due to the rainy season, rendering them impassable and creating significant hardship for motorists and traders commuting between Abia and Akwa Ibom States,” declared that the situation has left residents of Ikwuano LGA in despair. He further lamented that the issue has persisted despite it being raised during debates on the 2024 Appropriation Bill last year. He therefore drew the attention of the Federal Government to the economic consequences of the delay in completing the project on the people of Abia and Akwa Ibom States, and many others from Cross River, Onitsha and Lagos who use the route on a daily basis.
Adopting the motion, the Senate resolved that:
i. The Federal Ministry of Works immediately release funds for the completion of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road during the current dry season;
ii. The Committee on Works to urgently investigate and unravel the causes of delays, and determine the extent of failure and report back to the Senate within two weeks for further legislative action.
