By Ogalla Daniel
The Kogi State House of Assembly, has called on the Federal Government, to urgently rehabilitate the deplorable Kabba–Omuo Federal Road, warning that its deteriorating condition poses serious risks to motorists, commuters and communities along the corridor.
The call was made during plenary in Lokoja, following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the member representing Ijumu State Constituency, Hon. Omotayo Adeleye Ishaya.
Moving the motion, Hon. Ishaya said several portions of the road had deteriorated considerably, with failed sections, potholes and other defects making vehicular movement difficult and unsafe.
She described the Kabba–Omuo Road as an important federal route that connects several communities and facilitates the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services.
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According to her, the poor state of the road has resulted in increased travel time, higher vehicle maintenance costs and greater risks to the lives and property of motorists and commuters.
The lawmaker further expressed concern that the deteriorating road was adversely affecting economic activities, particularly the transportation of agricultural produce from rural communities to markets.
He stressed that a functional road network was essential to the growth of local commerce, agriculture and the socio-economic development of communities across the state.
While acknowledging that comprehensive rehabilitation of the road falls under the responsibility of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works, Ishaya called for immediate palliative intervention on the most critical sections pending full rehabilitation.
He specifically urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake remedial works on the failed portions of the road to ease the hardship being experienced by road users.
The lawmaker also called for the intervention of the Kogi State Government, noting that although the road is under federal jurisdiction, the Executive Governor of Kogi State could use his office to engage and advocate for accelerated Federal Government intervention.
The House, after considering the motion, resolved to urge the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, to urgently assess the condition of the Kabba–Omuo Federal Road and commence rehabilitation of the affected sections.
The lawmakers also appealed to FERMA to carry out immediate palliative maintenance and remedial works on the critical portions of the road pending comprehensive rehabilitation.
In addition, the House called on the Executive Governor of Kogi State to use his good offices to facilitate and fast-track Federal Government intervention on the road, considering its importance to the state’s economy and the well-being of its people.
The motion underscored the Assembly’s concern over the deteriorating road infrastructure and its impact on transportation, agriculture, commerce and the daily lives of residents along the Kabba–Omuo corridor.
