The Nigerian Senate has directed the Federal Ministry of Works to release funds for the completion of the long-overdue reconstruction of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road.
The Senators stressed that the current dry season provides an ideal window for expedited work on the road, which has been in a state of disrepair for over three decades.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Akobundu Austin (APC-Abia) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
The motion, entitled “Need for Special Intervention by the Senate to Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to Expedite Action on the Completion of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road to Alleviate the Suffering of Motorists,” lamented the critical condition of the road and its impact on the residents and motorists in the region.
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Senator Akobundu expressed frustration over the road’s persistent disrepair, despite attempts by successive administrations to address the issue.
He revealed that the contract for the reconstruction of the road was awarded in 2018 to Messrs Heartland Nigeria Limited and Raydon and Company Nigeria Limited, valued at approximately ₦13 billion.
The project’s funding was later transferred to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) under the tax credit initiative.
While contractors have commenced work on the first phase of the project, Akobundu lamented the slow pace of progress, compounded by further deterioration during the last rainy season.
“Many dilapidated portions of the road have further deteriorated, rendering them nearly impassable,” Akobundu said.
He warned that if urgent measures are not taken during this dry season, the road could become completely unusable during the next rainy season, further exacerbating the hardship faced by residents and motorists.
The road, which links Umuahia in Abia State with Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State, serves as a major route for economic and social activities in the region.
Its poor condition continues to cause immense suffering for road users and disrupts connectivity between the two states and adjoining regions.
The Senate stressed the need for the Federal Ministry of Works to act swiftly, releasing funds to accelerate construction and ensure the road is motorable before the rains return.
The lawmakers also urged the contractors to intensify efforts and deliver on their commitments to complete the project.
The completion of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road is expected to bring significant relief to residents, enhance regional connectivity, and boost economic activities in the affected states.
NDDC ready to complete Akwa Ibom- Abia Road
Meanwhile, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has promised to complete a 22-year old abandoned road project linking Akwa Ibom and Abia State.
The Managing Director/CEO of NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, accompanied by the Executive Director Projects, Mr. Victor Antai, and other Directors of the commission, made the pledge during an inspection of the 30km Nsasak junction—Akon Road linking Akwa Ibom with Abia State.
Ogbuku explained the significance of the project, saying that it would serve as an alternative route for commuters and reduce the cost of transportation.
He expressed his readiness to review the project’s scope and mobilise contractors to resume work as soon as possible.
“This is a vital project that links Akwa Ibom State and Abia State. Though awarded in 2012, about 15km of this project is done, and we are already conversing with the contractor about when they will return to the site. We are committed to reviewing the scope of the road and completing it in no distance time,” he said.
