Senate to FG: Construct overhead bridge on Ilorin-Jebba road

The Senate has called on the Federal Government to urgently construct a pedestrian overhead bridge with a motorcycle ramp at the Oko-Olowo intersection on the Ilorin-Jebba Federal Highway to address escalating safety concerns.

The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator representing Kwara Central, Saliu Mustapha, during plenary session.

Citing Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Senator Mustapha, emphasized the critical need for the bridge to prevent further loss of lives at the intersection, which connects the North with states in South West of the country.

The lawmaker who described the Oko-Olowo Intersection as a vital yet perilous gateway for commuters and goods, recalled that over 50 lives were lost between November 2023 and January 2024 alone, including a tragic incident in November that claimed 25 lives in one day.

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He noted that an essential safety infrastructure like a pedestrian bridge would mitigate accidents on that highway.

He said: “This intersection has become a deadly trap for pedestrians and motorists alike.” “Despite efforts by the Kwara State Government, under Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to seek federal intervention, no tangible progress has been made to address this crisis.”

Senator Mustapha appealed to the relevant agency under the Federal Ministry of Works to prioritize the construction of the pedestrian bridge and motorcycle ramp as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Jebba Federal Highway.

He equally proposed the inclusion of an overhead flyover at the intersection in the 2025 Budget as a permanent solution to the safety challenges.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his concluding remarks, commended Senator Mustapha for raising the critical issue and expressed hope that the Federal Ministry of Works would act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.

The Senate unanimously adopted the resolutions, urging the Federal Government to commence the construction of the pedestrian bridge and ramp immediately while also prioritizing long-term safety measures at the Oko-Olowo Intersection.

Senator Akpabio also called on the Senate Committee on Works to assess the situation and report back within two weeks with actionable recommendations.

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