The Nigerian Senate has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to seek emergency funding from the ₦100 billion road intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu for the reconstruction of the 28-kilometre Ogobia-Onyangede section of the Makurdi-Naka-Ankpa federal highway linking Benue and Kogi states.
The directive followed a motion sponsored by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, who represents Benue South Senatorial District. The motion highlighted the deplorable condition of the road and its severe impact on socio-economic activities and the security of residents in the area.
During an inspection of the road in Onyangede District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Chairman of the Senate Committee on FERMA, Senator Sahabi Ya’u, assured affected communities that the Federal Government would work to secure the necessary funding. He emphasized the national duty to reconstruct such critical infrastructure.
Senator Moro noted that the reconstruction would significantly reduce travel time — currently over three hours for a journey that should take about 40 minutes — and help address growing security concerns, including kidnapping along the route. The traditional ruler of Onyangede, His Royal Highness Ogili Adamu, also appealed for speedy action, lamenting the negative effects on farming and economic activities, particularly the transportation of produce like cassava and palm oil.
The Director of East Operations at FERMA, Usman Gulloma, confirmed that the agency would prepare a cost estimate for the project. Although the road was not included in the 2026 budget, he expressed optimism that the Senate’s resolution would facilitate access to funding.
The development has been welcomed by residents, who see it as a major step toward improving connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
