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 a plenary in Lokoja following a Motion on a Matter of Urgent Public Importance sponsored by Member representing Ijumu Constituency, Hon. Omotayo Adeleye Ishaya.
Presenting the motion, Hon. Ishaya described the Kabba-Omuo Road as an important federal route connecting several communities and facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services.
She lamented that several portions of the road had deteriorated considerably, with failed sections, potholes and other defects making vehicular movement difficult and unsafe.
According to her, the condition of the road has resulted in increased travel time, higher vehicle maintenance costs and heightened risks to the lives and safety of motorists and commuters.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the impact of the deteriorating road on economic activities, particularly the transportation of agricultural produce from rural communities to markets.
She noted that a functional road network was essential to local commerce, agriculture and the overall socio-economic development of communities along the corridor.
While acknowledging that comprehensive rehabilitation of the road falls under the responsibility of the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works, Ishaya urged immediate palliative intervention on the most critical sections pending full rehabilitation.
She specifically called on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake remedial works on failed portions of the road.
The lawmaker also sought the intervention of the Kogi State Governor, urging him to use his office to engage relevant authorities and facilitate a speedy Federal Government response to the road’s condition.
The House in its resolution, urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, to urgently assess the affected sections and prioritise the Kabba-Omuo Road under an appropriate federal road rehabilitation programme.
The House further appealed to FERMA to commence immediate palliative maintenance and remedial works on the critical sections pending comprehensive rehabilitation.
The House also called on Kogi State Governor to facilitate and fast-track Federal Government intervention, stressing the importance of the road to the socio-economic development of the state and the well-being of its people.
