Thursday, 11th December2025-The House of Representatives, following a motion raised by Hon. Salman Idris, has urgently called for the immediate resumption and completion of the construction work on the vital Iluke-Aiyetoro-Kiri-Abugi-Eggan Road awarded to SETRACO Nigeria Limited. The House underscores the road’s immense strategic socio-economic importance as a major link among agrarian communities, whose large-scale farming significantly contributes to the Nigerian economy.
Background on the Project
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the contract for this road on June 24, 2020, with a total sum of N25,352,783,772 (Twenty-five billion, three hundred and fifty-two million, seven hundred and eighty-three thousand, seven hundred and seventy-two Naira).
Despite being consistently captured in successive Appropriation Acts, with a total release of N2,451,225,566.48 for mobilization, the project has stalled. SETRACO Nigeria Limited, the contractor, has only completed approximately 6 kilometres of asphalt work and some earthwork at Giro Hill, out of a total distance of 79.63 kilometres. This significant lag is attributed to inadequate annual budgetary releases.
Impact of Abandonment
The House expressed grave concern and alarm over the consequences of the project’s abandonment, highlighting severe impacts on the affected communities:
Ecological and Livelihood Crisis: The project’s stagnation has caused severe ecological challenges, crippling the means of livelihood for adjoining communities and physically cutting them off from neighbouring towns.
Hardship and Economic Loss: The deplorable state of the road inflicts hardship on commuters, resulting in the loss of productive time and economic opportunities, while restricting access to essential services like healthcare.
Security Threat: The corridor has become a frequent target for terrorist attacks, leading to the tragic loss of lives, injuries, and kidnappings.
Safety Hazards: Open excavations and uneven surfaces have created serious safety hazards and accident-prone areas, leading to avoidable loss of life.
Stifled Development: The lack of critical infrastructure has hindered the movement of goods and services, discouraged investment, and ultimately diminished the overall quality of life for residents.
House Resolutions
To address this critical national challenge, the House of Representatives has resolved to take the following actions:
Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately remobilize Setraco Nigeria Limited to the project site for the continuation of construction work.
Urge the Inspector-General of Police to ensure regular patrols along the corridor to curb the activities of criminals and enhance community safety.
Mandate the Committee on Appropriation to ensure that adequate funding for the project is provided in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
Mandate the Committee on Works to ensure compliance by the Federal Ministry of Works and to diligently oversee the timely completion of the project.
The House is committed to seeing this vital road completed to restore economic activity, improve security, and alleviate the suffering of the affected populace.
