By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Senator Nwachukwu Emmanuel, representing Anambra South Senatorial District, has sounded a national alarm over worsening erosion, collapsing federal roads and deepening economic dislocation in the zone, warning that without urgent federal intervention, the region could slide into a full-blown transportation and humanitarian crisis.
Explaining the motivation behind his first motion on the floor of the Senate, the lawmaker told journalists after plenary that Anambra South has become Nigeria’s ground zero for erosion disasters, with several communities and major transport corridors now hanging by a thread.
At the centre of the emergency, he said, is the Onitsha–Owerri Road at Okija, where massive erosion has already consumed one side of the dual carriageway and is fast encroaching on the remaining lane.
“This road is no longer an Anambra issue,” Emmanuel warned. “It links Imo, Abia, Rivers and other neighbouring states. If it is cut off, the implications will be catastrophic for trade, mobility and national connectivity.”
The Senator also drew attention to the Oba–Nnewi–Amichi–Uga road, describing it as a symbol of decades-long neglect.
According to him, the federal road has been in a deplorable condition since 2003, with less than 50 per cent of the project completed despite its strategic economic value to the South-East.
He further revealed that the collapse of an old metal bridge constructed in the 1960s, even as two replacement bridges remain unfinished has effectively isolated several communities.
The breakdown, he said, has disrupted commerce, raised transportation costs and restricted access to healthcare and education.
“These are not abstract statistics,” Emmanuel said. “These are real human challenges affecting traders, students, patients and entire communities.”
The lawmaker explained that although the motion was first listed on the Senate Order Paper in November 2025, legislative scheduling delayed its debate until now.
He expressed optimism, however, that the matter has finally gained traction.
“I am encouraged by the strong support of my colleagues and the clear directive of the Senate President to the Committee on Works to urgently intervene,” he said.
He disclosed that the Senate Committee on Works has scheduled an on-the-spot inspection of the affected roads within the next two weeks, with the goal of compelling immediate remedial action by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Reacting to the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market, Senator Emmanuel urged calm and collective responsibility, describing the development as emotionally charged but one that demands sober reflection.
He recalled that May 30 has long been observed across Igboland as a solemn day of remembrance for lives lost during the civil war, predating the current sit-at-home protests.
However, he warned that the continued enforcement of sit-at-home orders over the past three years has inflicted severe economic damage on the South-East.
“Our region contributes less than eight per cent to Nigeria’s GDP,” he said. “By shutting down economic activities every Monday, we are unintentionally shrinking our own economy further.”
According to him, the disruptions have forced banks and corporate institutions to cut operating days, discouraged investment and weakened commercial activity across the region.
Commending Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the Senator praised what he described as decisive leadership in restoring security and stabilising the state’s economy.
He lauded the establishment of the Agụnechemba Security Network, the passage of enabling legislation and the deployment of modern security equipment, which he said significantly curbed criminal activities and encouraged residents and visitors to return to the state during the last festive season.
“Governor Soludo is a world-class economist who understands that no economy can grow under fear and uncertainty,” Emmanuel said.
“His administration has constructed over 750 kilometres of roads and restored confidence in Anambra.”
He expressed full support for the governor’s determination to end sit-at-home disruptions, describing the policy as critical to protecting livelihoods and securing long-term prosperity.
Appealing to traders at the Onitsha Main Market and residents across the state, the Senator urged cooperation with constituted authorities, market leaders and government officials in the collective interest of economic recovery.
“All these efforts are for the benefit of our people,” he said. “A stable and secure business environment will lead to growth, prosperity and better opportunities for everyone.”
He called on the Ndi-Anambra to remain law-abiding and united, stressing that sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace, security and cooperation.
