Senate Orders Urgent Construction of Strategic Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road to Boost Agro-Economy, Link Ondo, Edo
The Senate has directed the Federal Government to prioritise the immediate construction of the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu Road in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, describing it as a critical national asset needed to strengthen inter-state connectivity, unlock agricultural productivity and accelerate rural development.
The resolution followed the adoption 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.”
Leading the debate, Senator Adegbonmire highlighted Idanre’s historic role as one of Nigeria’s foremost cocoa-producing regions, contributing significantly to national exports and industrial growth since the colonial era. Despite this economic importance, he lamented that the region has suffered severe infrastructural neglect, particularly in road development, stifling the growth of its vibrant farming communities.
“The Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road remains the most direct and economically viable route linking Ondo with Edo and the wider South-South corridor,” he said, noting that the road is the main evacuation route for cocoa, palm produce, timber, plantain and other agricultural goods. He described its current state as deplorable and nearly impassable during the rainy season.
Adegbonmire warned that the deteriorated condition of the road has left several agrarian communities economically isolated, resulting in high transport costs, significant post-harvest losses, and declining investor confidence. Such neglect, he argued, conflicts with the Federal Government’s National Development Plan (2021–2025) and the Renewed Hope Agenda, both of which emphasise rural infrastructure and agricultural expansion.
“Each rainy season, farmers watch helplessly as tonnes of cocoa and other produce rot away due to lack of access roads. This deepens rural poverty and undermines Nigeria’s non-oil export drive,” he stressed.
He expressed optimism that constructing the road would transform the economic landscape of Idanre and neighbouring communities, attract agro-industrial investments, promote tourism and enhance security by improving mobility.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted the motion and urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to include the road project in the 2026 capital budget and ensure its prompt commencement. It also directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to carry out 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 Works Ministry in prioritising road corridors that support agricultural value-chain development, including the Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu axis. The Senate Committee on Works was mandated to interface with the relevant ministries and agencies to ensure compliance and report back within eight weeks.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended Senator Adegbonmire for drawing national attention to the plight of farming communities in Ondo State and for linking the motion to broader goals of economic diversification.
“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,” he stated.
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The motion was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Works for further legislative action and oversight.
The Ode–Omifufu–Ofosu road is widely regarded as a transformative project because it connects Ondo State’s prominent cocoa belt to Edo State and the South-South region, facilitating farm-to-market access, boosting agricultural exports and revitalising rural economies. Its construction is expected to strengthen the agricultural value chain, reduce post-harvest losses, expand market access and support the Federal Government’s agenda for rural transformation and economic diversification.
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