The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, to explain the abandonment of the Ogbomoso-Oyo Federal Road project by the contractor. The Senate’s decision was made during a session where they called on Senator Barinada Mpigi, PDP, Rivers South-East, to lead a committee inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the project’s neglect.
In addition to this summoning, the Senate has urged the Federal Government to take urgent action to complete the rehabilitation of the old Ogbomoso-Oyo road to prevent further adverse effects on the area. This resolution followed a motion titled “Urgent Need to Call on the Federal Government to Complete the Rehabilitation of the Ogbomoso/Oyo Trunk ‘A’ Road and to Finish Up the Reconstruction of the New Ogbomoso/Oyo Expressway.” The motion was sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, APC, Oyo North, who highlighted the significance of transportation in facilitating the distribution of goods and easing the movement of people.
In his presentation, Senator Buhari noted that the people of Ogbomoso have faced a crisis due to a tragic petrol tanker accident on the road that resulted in traffic gridlock, homelessness for some residents, and loss of lives. He further indicated that the ongoing reconstruction of the new Ogbomoso-Oyo Federal Road, which has been in progress since 2007, has forced commuters to divert to the older, less maintained Ogbomoso-Oyo road. This diversion has intensified the problems faced by the community, including economic paralysis.
The Senate’s move aims to address the urgent need for road safety and improved transportation infrastructure in the region, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents.