Senator Ekong Sampson Calls Attention to Collapsed Portions of Abak–Ete Highway, Seeks Urgent Rehabilitation

Senator Ekong Sampson Calls Attention to Collapsed Portions of Abak–Ete Highway, Seeks Urgent Rehabilitation

ABUJA – Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Akwa Ibom South, has called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the failed sections of the Abak–Ete highway, describing the road as a critical infrastructure that is vital to economic activities and interstate connectivity.

Senator Sampson made the call earlier today at Senate plenary while contributing to a debate following the presentation of the report of the Senate Committees on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and National Security and Intelligence.

The report was presented by Senator Yau Sahabi (Zamfara North) – Chairman of the Committee on FERMA, on the motion titled, “Urgent Need for the Rehabilitation of Onyagede–Ogobia Road off the Otukpo–Oweto Highway in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State,” which had earlier been referred to the joint committees by the Senate, for investigation.

While lending his support to the committee’s report and recommendations, Senator Sampson drew the attention of the Senate to the worsening condition of the Abak–Ete Highway, particularly the collapsed portions that have made the road increasingly difficult and dangerous for motorists.

Sampson, who is a member of the Senate Committee on FERMA, noted that the Abak–Ete Road serves as a major federal highway connecting Akwa Ibom State with neighbouring Rivers State, making it an indispensable transportation corridor for commuters, businesses and the movement of goods across the South-South region.

The Lawmaker lamented that the deterioration of sections of the road has continued to pose serious safety risks to road users, with attendant effects on economic activities. He urged the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA, to accord the highway the urgent attention it deserves by carrying out urgent rehabilitation of the failed sections to restore safe and efficient movement along the corridor.

The Senator further stressed that the rehabilitation of strategic federal roads across the country should remain a national priority, noting that reliable road infrastructure remained essential to economic growth, national security and the overall well-being of Nigerians. He further canvassed adequate funding for FERMA to enable the agency to live up to its responsibilities.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while commenting on Sampson’s contribution, also alluded to the socioeconomic importance of the Abak – Ete -Ikot Abasi that leads to the East – West Road.

Following deliberations, the Senate adopted the report of the joint committees, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that critical federal roads across the country receive the necessary attention to guarantee the safety of lives and property, while promoting national development.

© Samuel Udoma