The lawmaker representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly, Senator Saliu Mustapha, has moved a motion under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), calling for the urgent construction of a pedestrian overhead bridge with a motorcycle ramp at the Oko-Olowo Intersection along the Ilorin-Jebba Federal Highway.
Senator Mustapha introduced the motion during the plenary session on Tuesday, explaining the critical importance of the Oko-Olowo Intersection, located between Ilorin South and West Local Government Areas of Kwara State. This intersection serves as a vital gateway for the movement of goods and people between the Northern and South-Western regions of Nigeria. Despite its significance, the area lacks essential safety infrastructure, including a pedestrian bridge, which has turned the location into a hazardous zone for pedestrians.
“This deficiency has turned the intersection into a deadly trap for both pedestrians and motorists, resulting in frequent fatalities and property damage,” Senator Mustapha stated. He further emphasized the severity of the situation, revealing that between November 2023 and January 2024, more than 50 lives were lost at the intersection. The most tragic incident occurred in November 2023, when 25 people perished in a single accident at the spot.
The senator noted that these accidents have become an everyday occurrence, with continued fatalities and damages. Despite multiple efforts by the Kwara State Government, led by Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, to address the issue with the Honourable Minister of Works, no significant resolution has been achieved thus far.
Senator Mustapha urged the Senate to pass a resolution calling on the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Works, to prioritize the construction of a pedestrian bridge and motorcycle ramp as part of the ongoing rehabilitation of the Ilorin-Jebba Federal Highway. He emphasized the urgency of starting construction immediately to prevent further loss of life and enhance public safety.
Furthermore, the senator called on the Senate Committee on Works to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other relevant agencies to assess the current state of the Oko-Olowo Intersection. He requested that the committee report back to the Senate within two weeks with recommendations for immediate action.
For long-term safety, Senator Mustapha recommended that the Federal Ministry of Works consider the construction of an overhead flyover at the intersection, with plans for its inclusion in the 2025 Budget as part of the ongoing Ilorin-Jebba Federal Highway rehabilitation project.
Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio expressed his gratitude to Senator Mustapha for raising the issue, stressing the importance of addressing the situation promptly. He expressed confidence that the Federal Ministry of Works would take swift action upon receiving the Senate’s resolution to prevent further tragedies and safeguard road users.
Following deliberations, the Senate unanimously adopted all three resolutions, urging the Federal Government to prioritize the construction of the pedestrian bridge, motorcycle ramp, and additional safety measures at the Oko-Olowo Intersection.
