The Edo State House of Assembly has raised the alarm over the worsening condition of federal roads across the state, calling on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to take immediate action ahead of the festive season.
During plenary in Benin City on Monday, Speaker Chief Blessing Agbebaku expressed grave concern about the state of the Benin-Auchi road, describing it as a nightmare for motorists. He noted that the road’s deplorable condition has forced commuters to divert through the Oluku/NIFOR-Sobe route, a detour that has increased travel time and posed additional risks to road users.
Agbebaku stressed that FERMA must urgently intervene, particularly on the Benin-Agbor, Benin-Auchi, and Oluku-NIFOR/Sobe roads, to ease movement during the high-traffic festive period. “These roads urgently need FERMA’s attention before the festive season,” he declared, warning that continued neglect could worsen accidents and economic disruptions.
In the same session, lawmakers advanced the Edo State Agricultural Development Authority Bill 2025, which scaled its second reading. The bill seeks to institutionalize agricultural reforms, improve food security, and modernize farming practices across the state.
Leading the debate, Majority Leader Mr. Jonathan Ibhamawu highlighted the urgency of the bill, citing a troubling incident in which 6,000 bags of fertilizer allegedly disappeared from a state government warehouse on November 11, 2024, just a day before Governor Monday Okpebholo was sworn in. Ibhamawu argued that such lapses underscored the need for stronger oversight and accountability in agricultural resource management.
He further emphasized that counterpart funds provided to agricultural initiatives such as IFAD and FADAMA must be transparently managed by project officers to ensure they reach intended beneficiaries.
Supporting the motion, Minority Leader Mr. Charity Aiguobarueghian and Mr. Eric Okaka (Owan East) noted that the bill would empower farmers with modern equipment, improved rural access roads, and training in contemporary agricultural practices. They stressed that the reforms would not only boost yields but also strengthen the state’s food security framework.
The bill was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, which has been mandated to submit its report within two weeks for further legislative consideration.
