​ABUJA — The House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on the severely dilapidated Agbede and Okpella sections of the Benin–Okene Federal Highway.
​The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance highlighting the severe socio-economic paralysis, frequent road crashes, and security risks caused by the complete breakdown of the critical interstate arterial corridor.
​The House mandated the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately mobilize competent contractors alongside necessary funding and technical support to commence full reconstruction and rehabilitation of the damaged portions.
​Lawmakers emphasized that prompt federal intervention is vital to restore the highway’s functionality, safeguard lives, and mitigate the intense hardship faced by commuters, transport operators, and host communities.
​To alleviate immediate suffering, the House further urged the Ministry of Works to create accessible and safe alternative bypass routes for residents of Agbede and Okpella whose homes and agricultural businesses have been cut off by the collapsed road infrastructure.
​Consequently, the House mandated its House Committees on Works and FERMA to monitor compliance with the directives and report back to the full chamber within four weeks for further legislative action.
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