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The senate on Wednesday 11th December called for urgent intervention by the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite the rehabilitation of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road, a critical link between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
The motion, sponsored by Senator Austin Akobundu of Abia Central, emphasized the need to address the suffering of Nigerian motorists and the growing insecurity along the route.
The Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road has been in a deplorable state for over 30 years, serving as a vital trade and transport corridor for residents of both states. Despite numerous promises and interventions by successive federal and state governments, the road has remained in a deteriorating condition. In 2018, the federal government awarded a contract for the road’s reconstruction to Messrs Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raydon & Company Nigeria Limited, valued at approximately N13 billion. However, work on the project has been slow, and the pace of repairs has failed to meet public expectations.
Senator Akobundu’s motion highlighted the severe economic and social impact on the people of the region, with dilapidated sections of the road worsening during the rainy season, rendering parts impassable. The road has become a major bottleneck for commuters, traders, and transporters traveling between Abia and Akwa Ibom States, further exacerbating the region’s economic challenges.
The slow pace of work on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road has led to significant hardship for local residents and businesses that rely on the road for daily commuting and trade, Akobundu stated. “Unless immediate action is taken to address these failed sections during the dry season, the road could be completely cut off in the coming months.”
Senators, including Orji Uzor Kalu and Victor Umeh, also weighed in on the importance of the road, underscoring its critical role in the region’s economic development. Kalu described the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road as a major link not only between Abia and Akwa Ibom States but also to the broader national economy. “This road serves as a crucial transport artery, facilitating movement of goods and services. If rehabilitated, it will significantly boost the local economy and ease the burden on commuters,” Kalu said.
Victor Umeh echoed similar sentiments, calling the road an economic lifeline that contributes to the national economy. “The road has become a major bottleneck. If we can fix it, it will ease traffic and improve the movement of goods, which will, in turn, enhance the economy of the entire country,” Umeh stated.
In response to the growing concerns, the Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to immediately release the necessary funds to complete the project during the current dry season. The Senate also called for the inclusion of the road in the 2025 national appropriation to ensure timely completion of the project.
The ongoing challenges with the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road remain a critical issue for the people of both Abia and Akwa Ibom States, and the Senate’s call for a swift resolution highlights the pressing need for infrastructural development to match the region’s economic potential.
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