The Nigerian Senate has tasked its Committee on Works with investigating the delayed repairs of the Odukpani-Itu federal highway in Cross River State, including a detailed review of how funds allocated over multiple budget cycles have been utilized.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong and co-sponsored by Senator Ekong Sampson, highlighted the urgent need to address the challenges hindering the completion of the vital road project.
During the plenary, the Senate emphasized the highway’s potential to create jobs, improve market access, and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through better infrastructure.
The Senate also instructed the Committee to summon relevant agencies, such as the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and the contractors involved, to provide detailed reports on the project’s current status and the issues affecting its progress.
In addition, lawmakers called on the Federal Government to prioritize the highway’s completion to ease the suffering of local residents and improve connectivity in the region. The Senate further requested that the Ministry of Works review its concrete road pavement policy, especially for older roads where asphalt had previously been used.
