The Member representing Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Anamero Sunday Dekeri, has moved a motion calling for urgent federal intervention over the deteriorating condition of the Agbede and Okpella sections of the Benin–Okene Federal Highway in Edo State.
The motion, presented on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, highlighted the severe hardship being experienced by motorists, commuters, transport operators and residents because of the failed sections of the strategic federal highway.
While presenting the motion, Hon. Dekeri drew attention to the prolonged traffic gridlock, dangerous road conditions, increased transportation costs and economic losses confronting road users. He also raised concerns about the environmental impact of persistent traffic congestion, excessive dust and noise on communities along the affected corridor.
He noted that journeys which should ordinarily take a few hours have, in some instances, extended into several hours or even days, disrupting businesses, livelihoods and the movement of goods and services.
Describing the Benin–Okene Federal Highway as an important transportation link between the southern and northern parts of Nigeria, the lawmaker stressed that its deteriorating condition requires urgent and comprehensive intervention beyond routine maintenance.
House Adopts Motion, Calls for Immediate Federal Action
Following deliberations, the House of Representatives adopted the motion and urged the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on the affected Agbede and Okpella sections to facilitate immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation.
The House also called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to urgently mobilise contractors and provide the necessary funding and technical support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the failed portions.
Additionally, the lawmakers urged the Ministry of Works to provide safe and accessible alternative routes for residents of Agbede and Okpella, particularly communities whose access has been disrupted by the damaged highway.
To ensure follow-through, the House mandated its Committees on Works and Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to monitor the implementation of its resolutions and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Taking Constituents’ Infrastructure Concerns to the National Assembly
The motion brings the infrastructure challenges confronting communities along the Agbede and Okpella corridor before the Federal Government and places the need for urgent intervention on the legislative agenda.
For residents, commuters, traders and transport operators who depend on the highway daily, its rehabilitation is essential to restoring safer movement, reducing travel delays and supporting economic activities across Etsako and neighbouring communities.
Hon. Dekeri’s intervention underscores the role of legislative representation in bringing local infrastructure challenges to national attention and seeking institutional responses to issues affecting constituents.
The next critical step will be the implementation of the House’s resolutions, including the mobilisation of contractors, provision of alternative access routes and commencement of comprehensive rehabilitation works.
