The Nigerian Senate has summoned the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, to address the continuous delay in the completion of the Oyo-Ogbomoso federal highway project. The motion, sponsored by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari representing Oyo North Senatorial District, led to the Senate’s unanimous decision to urge the federal government to fast-track the rehabilitation of the old Ogbomoso-Oyo road.
The Senate also tasked its Committee on Works with investigating the circumstances that led to the abandonment of the Ogbomoso-Oyo federal road project. Senator Buhari highlighted the essential role of functional road infrastructure in reducing accidents and facilitating the smooth movement of goods and services across markets.
Buhari expressed concern over the recent fuel tanker accident on the Ogbomoso road, which caused severe traffic gridlock, displaced residents, disrupted economic activities, and resulted in the tragic loss of lives. The accident has forced commuters to divert to the older Ogbomoso-Oyo road, which has been under stress from increased truck traffic since 2020.