The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the collapse of a critical bridge and deteriorating sections of the Okija Spur Road in Anambra State, warning that delays could further endanger lives and disrupt economic activities in the affected communities.
The upper chamber urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to conduct an urgent engineering inspection of the collapsed old bridge and all failed road sections, while implementing emergency measures to restore at least temporary, safe connectivity.
The Senate also mandated its Committee on Works to monitor all intervention activities related to the Okija Spur Road, the collapsed old bridge, and the completion of the new bridge, ensuring that residents regain reliable access to the vital corridor.
The resolutions followed a motion titled “Need for the rehabilitation of Okija Spur – Ihembosi – Ukpor – Ebenator – Ezinifite Road”, sponsored by Senator Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA, Anambra South). Presenting the motion, Senator Nwachukwu highlighted the road’s importance as a critical intra-regional corridor, linking communities and supporting commerce, agriculture, education, and healthcare.
He noted that the old bridge along the route collapsed on March 5, 2025, completely halting movement and posing severe safety risks. Meanwhile, the new bridge over Ulasi Stream, under construction for more than a decade, is only about 70% complete, with pillars erected and deck components fabricated but not yet installed, rendering it non-operational.
Senator Nwachukwu warned that the combination of the collapsed bridge, incomplete new bridge, and deteriorating road sections—especially between Ukpor and Ebenator—has increased transportation costs, heightened safety risks, and worsened hardships for residents and road users. He urged that completing the new bridge and stabilizing the old bridge are critical steps to restoring movement while full road rehabilitation continues.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio directed the Committee on Works to coordinate with the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA to fast-track interventions. He emphasized the urgency of improving safety along the corridor amid concerns about kidnappers and bandits operating in the area.
