Senate seeks more funding for FERMA to rehabilitate critical roads

…Urges prosecution of killers of two Plateau farmers

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — The Senate has called on the Federal Government to provide adequate funding for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to accelerate the rehabilitation of critical roads across the country.

The upper chamber also recommended the immediate emergency rehabilitation of the failed sections of the Onyagede-Ogobia Road off the Otukpo-Oweto Highway in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, pending full reconstruction estimated at N15.06 billion.

It further called for improved drainage systems, erosion control measures and enhanced security along the road corridor.

The resolutions followed the consideration of the report of the Senate Committees on FERMA and National Security and Intelligence on the state of the Onyagede-Ogobia Road.

The report was presented by the chairmen of the committees, Senator Ya’u Sahabi Alhaji (APC, Zamfara North) and Senator Abubakar Abdullahi (APC, Kebbi North), during plenary on Thursday.

Presenting the report, Senator Ya’u said only two kilometres of the 28-kilometre road remained motorable after inspection, adding that severe structural failure, erosion and poor drainage had rendered most sections impassable.

He said the situation had disrupted transportation, economic activities, healthcare delivery, education and security operations in affected communities.

The Senate described the road as a federal infrastructure of strategic importance to several communities, states and the country at large, declaring it a national security concern requiring urgent intervention.

It urged the Federal Government to empower FERMA to immediately commence emergency rehabilitation of the failed sections pending comprehensive reconstruction.

The Senate recommended general rehabilitation of the road at an estimated cost of N15,056,450,693.21, inclusive of VAT.

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to capture the project under its Infrastructure Intervention Programmes in line with the Senate’s earlier resolution conveyed in a letter dated April 21, 2026.

The chamber further urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military, to increase patrols and surveillance along the road corridor and adjoining communities until rehabilitation is completed.

It also called for adequate drainage and erosion-control structures to be incorporated into the rehabilitation works to prevent waterlogging, reduce erosion and improve the road’s lifespan.

The Senate stressed the need for sufficient funding for the reconstruction of the road to ensure completion in line with acceptable engineering standards.

It further called for improved funding of legislative oversight activities and periodic monitoring by relevant committees to ensure proper implementation of budgeted projects.

The Senate also recommended the rehabilitation of two critically failed federal roads in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as part of efforts to improve connectivity, safety and economic development.

Contributing to the debate, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) urged the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritise rehabilitation and maintenance of existing highways before embarking on new road projects.

Oshiomhole lamented the poor condition of major routes including the Benin-Asaba, Benin-Warri and Auchi-Abuja highways, describing them as strategic national corridors requiring urgent attention.

“The Federal Ministry of Works must be properly guided. While many existing federal roads have deteriorated beyond acceptable standards, attention is being shifted to constructing new roads.

“Rehabilitation and maintenance of critical highways should take priority because they remain the major economic lifelines connecting different parts of the country,” he said.

He stressed that adequate funding for FERMA was essential to maintaining roads, improving security and facilitating the movement of people, goods and agricultural produce.

Senators from Kogi, Lagos and Bayelsa also supported the report, urging prompt intervention on failed roads in their respective states.

However, the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), urged lawmakers to restrict debate to the committee’s report and present separate motions on roads affecting their constituencies.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed that copies of the report be forwarded to relevant ministries, FERMA and appropriation committees for implementation and budgetary consideration.

Senate Seeks Justice for Slain Plateau Farmers

Earlier, Senator Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central), through a personal explanation under Order 42, drew the attention of the Senate to the killing of two farmers in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Plang said the victims were attacked while protecting their farmlands from destruction by grazing cattle, describing the incident as coordinated and barbaric.

He said persistent attacks had created fear among residents, preventing many farmers from cultivating their lands.

The senator commended the Plateau State Police Command for arresting a suspect and impounding cattle linked to the incident, while also praising community leaders for preventing reprisal attacks.

The Senate observed a minute’s silence in honour of the victims and urged the police and judicial authorities to ensure that those responsible for the killings are prosecuted.

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