Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of neglecting critical federal roads in Edo and Delta states, calling on the Senate to intervene and promote a more balanced approach to road infrastructure development across the country.
The former Edo State governor made the remarks during plenary, expressing deep concern over the poor condition of major federal highways linking the two states despite the approval of several new road projects.
Oshiomhole argued that while many existing federal roads remain in a deplorable state, the Federal Ministry of Works continues to prioritise the initiation of new projects instead of rehabilitating key transport corridors that are already in use.
“The federal minister of works needs to be guided. Whereas we have many existing roads that are in terrible condition, new roads are being proposed when the existing ones have not been properly addressed. Just three weeks ago, about 20 new roads were approved,” he stated.
He further alleged that Edo and Delta states have been unfairly treated in the allocation of road projects. According to him, it is currently difficult to travel from Benin to Warri, Benin to Asaba, Benin to Auchi, or Auchi to Okene without encountering serious challenges on the roads.
Oshiomhole claimed that successive national budgets over the past three years failed to make adequate provisions for these critical roads, despite repeated appeals.
He noted that it was only through the intervention and goodwill of the President, who directed the use of tax credits, that some sections received attention. Otherwise, he said, the Minister of Works had consistently failed to include the portions bordering Edo and Delta States in the national budget.
The senator appealed to the Senate leadership to urge the Minister of Works to adopt a more balanced and truly national outlook in the execution of federal road projects.
“Therefore, I plead with you to urge the Minister to be more balanced and to adopt a truly national outlook in carrying out his responsibilities,” Oshiomhole said.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over the deteriorating condition of major federal highways in parts of the country, with road users and stakeholders repeatedly calling for increased funding and accelerated rehabilitation of critical transport infrastructure.
