The Senate has called on the federal government to expedite the construction of a pedestrian bridge with a motorcycle ramp at the Oko-Olowo intersection along the Ilorin-Jebba federal highway. This measure aims to curb the alarming rate of fatalities recorded at the site.

The resolution was passed following a motion by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central) during plenary, where he revealed that over 50 lives were lost at the intersection between November 2023 and January 2024.

Quoting Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), Senator Mustapha stressed the urgent need for the project to safeguard the lives of Nigerians traveling between the Northern and South-Western regions.

“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,” he added.

In his submission, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended Senator Mustapha for raising the issue and expressed hope that the federal ministry of works would act swiftly to prevent further tragedies.

The Senate unanimously urged the federal government to commence the construction of the pedestrian bridge and ramp immediately while also prioritising long-term safety measures at the Oko-Olowo intersection.