The Onyendu Ndigbo in Ibadanland and Oyo State, High Chief Alloysious Obi, has called on the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, to urgently rehabilitate deteriorating federal roads linking the South-East, South-South and South-West regions of the country.
Obi, who is also the Chairman of Ndindu Ndigbo in Diaspora, said the poor state of major highways has continued to inflict hardship on commuters, transporters and businesses.
He identified the affected routes to include the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode, Ijebu Ode–Ore, Ore–Okada–Benin, and Benin–Onitsha highways, describing travel along the corridors as stressful and time-consuming.
According to him, he recently lost two haulage trailers due to the poor condition of the roads and spent more than 12 hours travelling from Onitsha to Ibadan because of the deteriorating infrastructure.
The community leader appealed to the Minister of Works to prioritise the rehabilitation of the affected roads to ease the suffering of Nigerians and improve the movement of goods and services.
He also urged the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out immediate palliative repairs on the damaged sections pending comprehensive reconstruction.
Obi further suggested that toll gates could be introduced after the roads are rehabilitated to generate revenue for maintenance, noting that road users would be more willing to pay tolls on safe and motorable highways than endure the challenges posed by dilapidated roads.
