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By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Hon. Sesi Whingan |
The Nigerian House of Representatives has earmarked N6 billion for the long-overdue reconstruction of the Gbaji-Apa-Owode road in the 2025 national budget, according to Rep. Sesi Whingan of the Badagry Federal Constituency.
Whingan, in a statement from his media team on Tuesday, highlighted the dire state of the 30.6 km federal road, which serves as a crucial link between Gbaji, Apa, and the Owode border with the Republic of Benin. The road has suffered years of neglect, hampering trade and travel in the region.
“Previous allocations for the project were grossly inadequate, with the highest recorded funding standing at just N200 million—far too little to make meaningful progress,” Whingan stated.
With the newly approved N6 billion allocation, work on the road is expected to accelerate, providing long-awaited relief for residents, traders, and commuters who have endured years of hardship due to the poor road conditions.
The lawmaker recalled his pledge during a stakeholders’ meeting at ASCON, Badagry, in September 2024, where he assured constituents of his relentless push for increased funding.
Beyond securing the funds, Whingan, who chairs the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), emphasized his role in ensuring the road is redesigned to meet modern construction standards and better serve the region’s economic needs.
“This road is not just essential for Badagry but for Nigeria’s economy as a whole, given its importance in cross-border trade,” he noted.
The announcement has sparked optimism among locals, who have long demanded government intervention. With substantial funding now in place, all eyes are on the project's execution and the transformation it promises for transportation and commerce in the area.
Whingan reaffirmed his commitment to closely monitoring the reconstruction process to ensure full implementation and vowed to keep constituents updated on progress.
(NAN)