The Senate has called on the Federal Government to give immediate priority to the construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, describing it as a critical national asset that would strengthen inter-state connectivity, boost agriculture, and drive rural development.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Adeniyi Ayodele Adegbonmire (Ondo Central) during Thursday’s plenary, 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.”
Moving the motion, Adegbonmire highlighted the historical significance of Idanre as one of Nigeria’s foremost cocoa-producing hubs since the colonial era. He lamented that despite the region’s immense economic potential, decades of infrastructural neglect—especially the deplorable condition of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road—have hindered growth and cut off farming communities.
He described the road as the most direct and economically viable route linking Ondo and Edo States, serving as a major corridor for transporting cocoa, palm produce, plantain, timber, and other agricultural goods. However, the road has deteriorated into an impassable state, particularly during the rainy season, leading to high transport costs, post-harvest losses, and diminished investor confidence.
Adegbonmire warned that the situation contradicts the objectives of the Federal Government’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which emphasise rural infrastructure and agricultural expansion as drivers of economic diversification.
“Each rainy season, farmers watch helplessly as tonnes of produce rot due to inaccessible routes. This neglect deepens rural poverty and undermines Nigeria’s non-oil export ambitions,” he said.
He expressed confidence that constructing the road would unlock economic opportunities, attract agro-industrial investments, promote tourism, and enhance security across the region.
After extensive debate, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion and urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to include the project in the 2026 capital budget for immediate commencement. It also directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out remedial works to make the existing road motorable pending full reconstruction.
Additionally, lawmakers called on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to collaborate with the Ministry of Works in prioritising road projects that support agricultural value-chain development. The Senate Committee on Works was mandated to interface with relevant agencies and report back within eight weeks.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended Adegbonmire for spotlighting the plight of rural farmers and aligning the motion with national development goals. He stressed that road infrastructure remains essential to bridging the rural-urban divide and driving Nigeria’s economic revival.
“This motion reflects our commitment to equity in infrastructural development and ensuring that communities feeding the nation are not left behind,” he said.
The Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road is regarded as a vital economic lifeline, connecting Ondo State’s cocoa belt to Edo State and the South-South corridor. Its construction is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, open new markets, stimulate rural employment, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
