BY JOHN DANJUMA
The Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently re-award and complete the reconstruction of the Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku Road in Kogi East, describing it as a lifeline that connects the North to the Southeast and South-South regions.
The decision followed a motion by Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), who urged that the project be captured under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund and prioritised in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Jibrin said the once-thriving federal road has become nearly impassable, turning what used to be a 40-minute journey in the 1980s into a gruelling four-hour ordeal. He added that the collapse of the route has crippled trade and mobility, forcing travellers onto the longer Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Anyigba corridor.
“The Anyigba–Dekina–Shintaku corridor is not only a key transport link but also holds potential for reviving waterway operations between Lokoja and Shintaku — a move that can boost commerce and create jobs,” Jibrin noted.
He reminded colleagues that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in January 2022 awarded the road contract to Tech Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, but the project was revoked due to poor performance and has yet to be re-awarded.
To ensure sustained funding, the lawmaker proposed tapping into Sukuk bonds and other special financing windows, while also recommending tollgates at both ends of the road to fund future maintenance.
Supporting the motion, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) described it as “timely and national in impact,” while Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) urged similar interventions for other neglected roads, including the Otukpo–Adoka Roundabout Road.
After debate, the Senate adopted all recommendations — mandating the Federal Ministry of Works to: re-award the contract without delay; prioritise funding through special-purpose mechanisms; capture the project in the 2026 budget; and integrate tolling and water transport facilities for sustainability.
The Senate Chief Whip, who also doubles as Deputy Chairman of the Appropriation Committee, moved that the project be listed under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund — a proposal that won unanimous support.
Commending Jibrin’s persistence, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the motion reflected the “true spirit of representation” and aligned with the upper chamber’s commitment to infrastructure renewal.
“This is how legislators should serve — by speaking for their people and seeking real solutions,” Akpabio said.