The Senate has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the immediate construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, describing the project as a critical national infrastructure that would connect Ondo and Edo States, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote rural development.

The resolution followed the consideration of 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.”

Presenting the motion, Senator Adegbonmire noted that Idanre Local Government is historically one of Nigeria’s foremost cocoa-producing regions, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural exports and industrial base since the colonial era.

He lamented that despite the area’s economic importance and the industriousness of its farming communities, it has suffered decades of infrastructural neglect, particularly in road connectivity, which has stifled its development potential.

“The Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road remains the most direct and economically viable route linking Ondo with Edo and the wider South-South corridor,” Adegbonmire explained.

“It serves as the main artery for the evacuation of cocoa, palm produce, plantain, timber, and other agricultural goods, yet it is in deplorable condition and virtually impassable during the rainy season.”

He warned that the poor state of the road has left several agrarian communities economically isolated, resulting in high transport costs, post-harvest losses, and declining investor confidence. The situation, he said, runs contrary to the Federal Government’s goals under the National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which prioritise rural infrastructure, agricultural expansion, and inter-state connectivity as key enablers of economic diversification.

“Each rainy season, farmers watch helplessly as tonnes of cocoa and other perishable produce rot away due to lack of access roads. This neglect not only deepens rural poverty but undermines Nigeria’s non-oil export drive,” he stressed.

Adegbonmire expressed optimism that constructing the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road would transform the economic landscape of Idanre and surrounding communities, facilitate agro-industrial investments, promote tourism, and improve security through enhanced mobility and access.

Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion and resolved to urge the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to include the construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road in the 2026 capital budget and ensure its prompt commencement.

It also directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to undertake immediate remedial works on the existing earth road to make it motorable pending full reconstruction.

Additionally, the Senate 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, including this strategic corridor, and mandated the Senate Committee on Works to engage with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure compliance with the resolution and report back within eight weeks.

In his remarks, the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, commended Senator Adegbonmire for drawing attention to the plight of farming communities in Ondo State and for “linking the motion to the broader goals of national development and economic diversification.”

He emphasised that road infrastructure remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic revival strategy, particularly in bridging the rural-urban divide and unlocking the agricultural potential of the hinterlands.

“This motion aligns with our commitment to equity in infrastructural development and to ensuring that rural Nigerians—especially those who feed the nation—are not left behind,” Akpabio said.

The motion was thereafter referred to the Senate Committee on Works for further legislative action and monitoring.

The Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road holds immense economic and developmental significance as it connects Ondo State’s vital cocoa belt to Edo State and the wider South-South corridor, facilitating seamless agro-trade and export activities.

Serving thousands of farmers engaged in the production of cocoa, palm produce, timber, and plantain, the road is central to sustaining the region’s agricultural value chain. Its construction would not only boost rural employment and reduce post-harvest losses but also open access to new markets, thereby revitalising local economies.

Moreover, the project aligns strategically with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the National Development Plan (2021–2025), both of which prioritise rural transformation, infrastructure development, and economic diversification.