Reps Urge FG to Fix Deplorable Ogun Road, Direct FERMA to Begin Palliative Works in Four Weeks
By Saheed Badmusm
The House of Representatives has called for urgent Federal Government intervention to address the deplorable condition of the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko Road in Ogun State, following reports that commuters have been stranded overnight along the route.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Adegboyega Isiaka, who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency of Ogun State.
Isiaka expressed concern that the deteriorating condition of the road had made transportation increasingly difficult, exposing motorists, commercial drivers, passengers and other road users to serious safety and security risks.
He described the road as a vital transportation corridor serving communities across the state and facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce, goods and services.
The lawmaker lamented that the road’s poor condition had resulted in increased transportation costs, prolonged travel time and significant economic losses for farmers, transport operators, business owners and other residents who depend on the route.
He said the situation had become particularly alarming over the past two weeks, with some commuters reportedly spending entire nights stranded because of the road’s impassable condition.
According to him, the situation exposes road users to avoidable dangers and potential criminal attacks, while prolonged neglect could heighten public frustration and threaten law and order.
Isiaka further warned that failure to undertake urgent remedial works could worsen the road’s condition, undermine road safety and commercial activities, and increase the eventual cost of rehabilitation.
Following deliberations on the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently inspect and assess the road, identify severely damaged sections and undertake necessary interventions in line with their respective mandates.
The lawmakers also called for emergency palliative works to restore basic motorability, ease commuters’ hardship and reduce the risks associated with travelling along the corridor.
In an amendment to the motion, Hon. Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun State) urged FERMA to commence palliative works on the road within four weeks, pending the commencement of substantive rehabilitation by the Federal Ministry of Works.
The House also called for appropriate budgetary provisions and the timely release of funds, subject to applicable budgetary and procurement procedures, to facilitate the required remedial works.
The proposed intervention is expected to ease the movement of commuters, improve the transportation of agricultural produce and other goods, and support economic activities in communities along the road corridor.
Isiaka stressed the need for prompt action to prevent further deterioration of the road and alleviate the hardship faced by residents and other road users.
