Janet Samuel
The Senate has called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to revive the long-abandoned Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku Road in Kogi East, describing its current state as a major setback to regional trade, connectivity, and development.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by the Senator representing Kogi East, Isah Jibrin-Echocho, who lamented that the once-thriving highway, a vital link between Kogi’s eastern communities and major routes to Abuja, the Southeast, and South-South has deteriorated into a dangerous and nearly impassable stretch.
“What used to be a 40-minute drive in the 1980s now takes more than four hours,” Senator Jibrin told the chamber, decrying the hardship faced by commuters and the crippling effect on economic activities in the region.
He recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the reconstruction of the road in January 2022, awarding the contract to Tech Engineering Company Nigeria Limited. However, the project was revoked due to non-performance and has remained stalled since then.
To break the stalemate, Senator Jibrin urged the Federal Government to immediately re-award the contract and explore innovative financing models such as Sukuk bonds and special-purpose funds under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure initiative, and proposed that tollgates be established at both ends of the road to generate maintenance revenue once completed.
Highlighting the corridor’s untapped potential, the lawmaker suggested that the Lokoja–Shintaku waterway, which runs parallel to the route, be revitalised to create a dual transport and commerce hub for the North-Central region.
Supporting the motion, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno of Borno North described the project as a “national imperative,” while Senator Abba Moro of Benue South urged that similar attention be given to other neglected road projects across the country.
After deliberations, the Senate unanimously resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Works to re-award and fast-track the reconstruction of the Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku Road; Fund the project through special-purpose financing mechanisms and include it in the 2026 Appropriation Bill and also incorporate tolling and water transport facilities to ensure sustainability.
The Senate Chief Whip, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, further proposed that the road be included under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, a suggestion that received bipartisan support.
Commending Senator Jibrin’s advocacy, Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised his “genuine representation and commitment to public service,” noting that such interventions reflect what legislative work should be about.
“This is how lawmakers should serve by identifying real problems and pursuing real solutions,” Akpabio said.
With the Senate’s resolution, renewed hope has risen for the long-neglected Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku corridor, a road many believe could unlock new opportunities for trade, transport, and regional growth once reconstructed.
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