By Charles Igwe
Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North Senatorial District, has appealed to the Federal Government for immediate intervention in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the deteriorating Onitsha-33-Otuocha-Adani Boundary Road, which connects Enugu State.
Nwoye emphasized that the 48-kilometer road is a designated federal government infrastructure and plays a crucial role as a major economic link in the Onitsha and Omambala region of Anambra and Kogi States. It passes through GRA Onitsha, 33-Otuocha-Adani-Enugu State, and Kogi State.
During the Senate plenary presided over by President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, Nwoye highlighted the road’s dilapidated state, which has resulted in the loss of lives and properties. He described the road as a vital connection for agrarian communities and a significant source of food production in the Southeast region.
Nwoye stressed that neglecting the road’s repair could lead to food scarcity, increased hardships, and revenue loss for the government. He specifically mentioned critical infrastructure along the road, such as the cooking gas extractive industry/refinery at Ponti Nkponando, Aguleri, and various industries contributing substantial revenue to the nation.
Despite the project falling under the Federal Ministry of Works & Housing, Nwoye expressed concern that it has not been awarded due to funding constraints. He proposed financing through the NNPCL Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, with the NNPCL serving as the financier.
Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, supported Nwoye’s motion and emphasized that the road’s reconstruction would improve travel time and boost economic activities. He highlighted the potential for direct access from Anambra to Kogi, bypassing the need to go through Enugu.
In response to Nwoye’s motion, the Senate requested the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service to prioritize and fund the road through the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, executed by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing. The Senate also urged the ministry to initiate the road’s design and assigned the Committees on Petroleum Resources Upstream, Works, and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
