In the wake of alarming infrastructural decay and growing distress among citizens, federal lawmakers have demanded emergency intervention for the deplorable Agbede and Okpella stretches of the Benin–Okene Highway in Edo State. Brought forward by Hon. Anamero Dekeri, the legislative motion underscores how the perilous condition of the transit corridor has paralyzed movement for commuters, drivers, and surrounding communities alike.
Serving as a vital national transport backbone connecting the Southern and Northern regions of Nigeria, the continued deterioration of the Benin–Okene Federal Highway poses profound economic and security risks.
The House expressed deep concern that the failed portions around Agbede and Okpella have subjected road users to unimaginable delays, turning short trips into grueling journeys spanning several hours or even days. This gridlock has resulted in severe physical exhaustion, skyrocketing transportation costs, loss of productive man-hours, and avoidable hardship.
Beyond the economic toll, the motion highlights a severe humanitarian crisis facing residents living alongside the affected highway corridors. The relentless heavy vehicular traffic navigating the failed sections, coupled with severe dust pollution, noise, and compounding traffic bottlenecks, has disrupted daily life and severely impacted public health.
Alarmingly, many residents have been forced to abandon their homes and relocate to safer areas, while entire communities find themselves cut off from basic access and essential daily activities.
Lawmakers warned that continued neglect of these critical stretches risks further loss of lives, extensive property damage, and the complete displacement of local populations. Consequently, the House concluded that the crisis transcends routine maintenance, demanding an immediate emergency infrastructure intervention followed by comprehensive, durable rehabilitation.
To permanently resolve the crisis and restore normalcy to the region, the House resolved to:
- Urged the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on the Agbede and Okpella sections of the Benin–Okene Federal Highway to fast-track immediate and comprehensive intervention.
- Urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently mobilize relevant contractors, backed by the necessary funding and technical support, for immediate reconstruction and rehabilitation.
- Urged the Federal Ministry of Works to swiftly create safe, accessible alternative routes to reconnect residents whose homes and communities have been isolated by the failed highway.
- Mandated the House Committees on Works and FERMA to monitor strict compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
