The House of Representatives on Thursday considered a Motion of Urgent Public Importance moved by Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, OON, member representing Ikwo/Ezza-South Federal Constituency, seeking the immediate return of contractors to the abandoned Abakaliki–Ikwo–Oferekpe–Obubara Roads.
Presenting the motion, Ogah said the project, initially awarded by the Ebonyi State Government before being taken over by the Federal Government, had been left unattended for an extended period.
He noted that the road serves as a major socio-economic corridor linking Ebonyi State to Cross River State and extending toward Cameroon.
Ogah stated that more than 25 lives have been lost due to dangerous excavations and uncompleted portions of the road.
He added that the deplorable condition of the project site had contributed to insecurity, posed risks to commuters, and negatively affected economic activities in affected communities.
The lawmaker said the abandonment of the road had turned the area into a threat to lives and property, and he called for urgent intervention to prevent further incidents. He also raised concerns over what he described as a recurring pattern of contractors abandoning critical infrastructure across the country.
Ogah commended the Federal Government for assuming responsibility for the project and acknowledged the efforts of the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, in completing several federal road projects within the state.
He further recognized the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi for his role in addressing road infrastructure challenges nationwide.
After deliberation, the House resolved to observe a minute’s silence in honour of deceased victims of the abandoned road.
It also commended the Federal Government for taking up the project and urged the Federal Ministry of Works to mobilize contractors back to the site immediately.
The House additionally mandated its Committees on Works and Legislative Compliance to supervise the process, monitor the return of contractors, and ensure adherence to project execution requirements until completion.
