Udende seeks construction of three major roads to boost economic activities in Benue North-East

Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North East Senatorial District, has urged the government to prioritise the construction of the Ugbema to Join Water, Awajir to Tse-Agberagba-Korinya to Ihugh, and Gboko-Lessel-Tse Mker roads in Benue State to boost farming activities.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, the lawmaker said this will ensure that farmers, businesspeople, and security personnel can operate unhindered within the Benue North East Senatorial District.

According to the senator, the only way to further open up some of the adjoining remote areas is the construction of these major roads. This will boost economic activities, create access for farmers to sell their products, enable security operatives to respond promptly to distress calls, and attract investments that will trigger developments and support peace initiatives.

The lawmaker further pointed out that the Benue people, although facing security challenges that have created a stumbling block for farming and other legal means of survival, have shown resilience and resisted the temptation to resort to self-help at the risk of their lives.

He added that the government must endeavor to provide the best infrastructure and meet their needs as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria.

Senator Udende maintained that one of the roads leads to the Cameroon border, which provides the opportunity for international trade that will boost tourism activities if constructed and put to use.

He argued that the construction of the Ugbema-Jato Aka road, which links to the Cameroon border, will create job opportunities for the teeming youths of the zone and reduce insecurity.

According to him, “There has been an agreement between Nigeria and Cameroon that Nigeria will construct the road from Ugbema to Join Water. Cameroon has done her part, and Nigeria needs to do her part so that there will be unhindered movement of human beings and goods that will enhance economic activities, grow our domestic production, and reduce criminal activities. When people are gainfully engaged in productive ventures, the rate of crime naturally drops.”