Oshiomhole Accuses Umahi Of Neglecting Edo, Delta Federal Roads

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of neglecting critical federal roads in Edo and Delta states, urging the Senate to intervene and ensure a more balanced approach to road infrastructure development across the country.

The former Edo State governor made the remarks during plenary, where he expressed concern over the poor condition of major federal highways linking Edo and Delta despite the approval of new road projects.

Oshiomhole argued that while several existing federal roads remain in deplorable condition, the Federal Ministry of Works continues to prioritise new projects instead of rehabilitating key transport corridors.

“The federal minister of works needs to be guided. Whereas we have many existing roads that are in terrible condition, new roads are being proposed when the existing ones have not been properly addressed. Just three weeks ago, about 20 new roads were approved.

He further alleged that Edo and Delta states have been unfairly treated in the allocation of road projects.

“Yet, sir, between Edo and Delta States, there is a manifest bias in the actions of the Minister of Works. You cannot travel from Benin to Warri; you cannot travel from Benin to Asaba; you cannot travel from Benin to Auchi; and you cannot travel from Auchi to Okene without encountering serious challenges. What have we done wrong?

The senator claimed that successive national budgets over the past three years failed to make adequate provisions for the affected roads, despite repeated appeals.

“I believe the Minister has consistently demonstrated that there is no federal allocation for these critical roads. It is only through Mr. President’s goodwill that he directed the use of tax credits to address part of this section. Otherwise, in the budgets of the past three years, despite the first motion moved under your leadership to draw the Minister’s attention to the matter, the Federal Minister of Works has deliberately failed to include the portions bordering Edo and Delta States in the national budget.

Oshiomhole appealed to the Senate leadership to prevail on the Minister of Works to ensure fairness in the execution of federal road projects nationwide.

“Therefore, I plead with you to urge the Minister to be more balanced and to adopt a truly national outlook in carrying out his responsibilities.”

The senator’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the condition of major federal highways in parts of the country, with road users and stakeholders repeatedly calling for increased funding and accelerated rehabilitation of critical transport infrastructure.