The Senate on Thursday urged the federal government to prioritise the construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State to enhance connectivity between Ondo and Edo States and boost agricultural productivity in the region.

The red chamber urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to include the construction of the road in the 2026 capital budget and ensure prompt commencement of the project.

It also called on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out immediate palliative works to make the road temporarily passable pending full reconstruction.

Additionally, the Senate asked the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with the Ministry of Works in prioritising road projects that enhance agricultural value-chain development, including the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu corridor.

These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), titled: “Urgent need for the construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State to Link Ondo State with Edo State.”

Adegbonmire in his lead debate, said Idanre, historically one of Nigeria’s major cocoa-producing areas, has contributed immensely to the nation’s agricultural and industrial output since the colonial era.

He lamented that despite the area’s economic importance and rich agricultural base, it continues to suffer from infrastructural neglect, particularly poor road connectivity, which has hindered the evacuation of farm produce and stifled rural development.

The senator noted that the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road serves as a strategic corridor linking Ondo State with Edo State and the South-South region, facilitating the movement of cocoa, palm produce, plantain, timber, and other farm goods.

He, however, decried the deplorable condition of the road, saying it has become almost impassable, especially during the rainy season, leaving farmers stranded and leading to post-harvest losses of thousands of tonnes of produce.

Adegbonmire warned that the continued neglect of the road has deepened economic isolation for residents of Idanre and neighbouring communities, despite their significant contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil export sector.

He added that the situation runs contrary to the Federal Government’s commitments under the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which emphasise rural infrastructure and agricultural expansion as catalysts for national growth.

According to him, the construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road would open up new economic opportunities in agro-processing, tourism, and local enterprise, while reducing travel time, transport costs, and accident risks.

The Committee on Works was mandated to engage with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure compliance and report back to the Senate within eight weeks for further legislative action. (The Nation)