The Senate has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation of the nation’s deteriorating road infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for improved connectivity across all regions.
Lawmakers also called for the extension of the Renewed Hope Super Highway Road Project to the North-East to ensure the region’s full integration into national economic activities.
The call for inclusion followed a motion moved by Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje representing Gombe Central.
Senator Goje in the motion entitled: ‘Federal Government’s Approval of ₦4.2trillion for the Construction of Lagos – Calabar Coastal Road and Other Road Projects Nationwide’, lamented that out of the ₦4.2trillion road projects, only ₦19 billion for rehabilitation was allocated to the North-East zone.
Additionally, the lawmakers pressed for the approval of road repairs in the North-East, citing concerns over inadequate funding for the region.
During the debate, lawmakers who raised concerns about the asymmetrical distribution of funds, suggested that the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, be summoned to provide clarification.
Senator Olamilekan, however, explained that ₦4.2 trillion had been allocated for two major road projects – the Badagry-Sokoto Road and the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, while ₦500 billion from the total sum, was designated for road rehabilitation nationwide.
However, there was slight tension when Senator Goje challenged Olamilekan’s breakdown, accusing him of distorting facts, sparking a brief back-and-forth between the senators.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, stating that Senator Olamilekan’s explanation should suffice.
He underpinned the need for a strategic approach to infrastructure development, calling for increased funding for roads in the North East to ensure balanced national progress
