Senate Wants Aniba-Dekina-Shintaku Road Contract Reawarded

The Senate has charged the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite action on the re-award and completion of the Aniba-Dekina-Shintaku Road in Kogi State.

The Red Chamber described the highway as a critical transport corridor linking the South-East, South-South and northern part of Nigeria.

Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), who moved the motion yesterday in Abuja, said the road, a major federal route, had remained in a deplorable state for years.

He said that, though the contract for its reconstruction was awarded to Tech Engineering Company Nigeria Limited by the then Federal Ministry of Works and Housing in February 2022, it was later revoked due to poor performance and had not yet been re-awarded.

He stressed that the road serves as a vital link between communities in Kogi East, Lokoja (the state capital), Abuja, and other parts of the country, adding that commuters now spend over four hours on a journey that previously took less than 40 minutes.

The Senate accordingly resolved to: “Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to consider utilising special purpose funding, such as Sukuk bonds, for the completion of the Aniba–Dekina–Shintaku Road.

“Mandate the Ministry to introduce tolling at both ends of the road upon completion to generate revenue for maintenance and cost recovery.”

Supporting the motion, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) emphasised the project’s national importance, urging that it be captured in the 2026 Appropriation Bill to ensure budgetary allocation for its execution. The Senate adopted this recommendation as an additional prayer.

Also contributing, Senator Abba Moro (Benue South) called for the inclusion of the Otukpo–Roundabout–Adoka Road in the same infrastructure funding arrangement, citing its similarly deplorable state. The motion was seconded and unanimously adopted by the Senate.

In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Jibrin for his commitment to addressing the infrastructural needs of his constituency and the nation at large.

“This is what good representation means — identifying and championing the needs of your people. I’m sure your constituents are proud of you,” Akpabio said.