Oshiomhole Accuses Umahi of Neglecting Edo, Delta Federal Roads, Demands Senate Intervention

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) has accused the Minister of Works, David Umahi, of neglecting critical federal road projects in Edo and Delta states, urging the Senate to intervene to ensure a more equitable distribution of road infrastructure across the country.

Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, the former Edo State governor expressed concern over what he described as the deteriorating condition of major highways connecting communities in the two states, despite the Federal Government’s approval of several new road projects nationwide.

Oshiomhole argued that rehabilitating existing roads should take priority over embarking on new projects, noting that many key highways have become almost impassable.

He specifically identified the Benin–Warri, Benin–Asaba, Benin–Auchi and Auchi–Okene roads as critical routes requiring urgent intervention.

“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 said.

The senator questioned what he described as the ministry’s failure to address the worsening state of roads linking Edo and Delta States.

“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?” he asked.

Oshiomhole further alleged that the Ministry of Works had consistently failed to make budgetary provisions for the affected road projects over the past three years.

According to him, some rehabilitation works were only initiated after President Bola Tinubu directed that portions of the roads be funded through the tax credit scheme.

“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,” he stated.

The lawmaker claimed that despite previous motions brought before the Senate on the matter, the ministry had deliberately excluded sections of roads bordering Edo and Delta States from the national budget.

He appealed to the Senate leadership to engage the Minister of Works and ensure that road infrastructure projects are implemented fairly across all parts of the country.

“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,” Oshiomhole said.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.