The Benue State House of Assembly has advanced a bill seeking to establish the Benue Road Maintenance Agency (BENROMA), following its successful second reading during plenary in Makurdi.
Leading the debate, Majority Leader Thomas Dugeri said the proposed legislation is designed to address the persistent deterioration of road infrastructure across the state. He noted that the creation of a dedicated agency would ensure regular and systematic maintenance of roads.
Dugeri criticised what he described as a long-standing pattern of constructing roads without proper upkeep. According to him, significant resources are often invested in road construction, but insufficient attention is given to maintaining these assets over time.
He explained that the proposed agency would adopt a proactive maintenance strategy, aimed at preventing road damage rather than responding after deterioration has occurred. This, he said, would help preserve road quality and extend their lifespan.
The lawmaker added that the agency would prioritise all-season roads, particularly those linking rural communities to urban centres. Improved road access, he noted, would enhance the movement of agricultural produce and help reduce post-harvest losses caused by poor transportation networks.
Dugeri emphasised that better connectivity between rural and urban areas could significantly boost agricultural productivity in Benue State, often referred to as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”
He also highlighted the potential for job creation, stating that establishing maintenance teams across all 23 local government areas would provide employment opportunities for young people.
Currently, road maintenance in the state is handled intermittently by the Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development. Dugeri argued that a specialised agency with dedicated funding would ensure a more consistent and effective approach to maintaining road infrastructure.
