From Aloysius Attah, Onistha
The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce , Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has called on the Federal and Anambra State governments to declare urgent infrastructure responses to address the widespread deterioration of major roads serving Onitsha and surrounding communities.
ONICCIMA, in a statement issued in Onitsha, yesterday, signed by the President, Chinedu Nwonu, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating condition of major roads connecting Onitsha and surrounding communities, which it noted has subjected residents, traders, transporters, commuters and businesses to severe hardship, prolonged traffic gridlock and significant economic losses.
“The situation has become increasingly distressing, with several critical road corridors either badly deteriorated, difficult to navigate or affected by closures and construction-related disruptions. These include Owerri Road, Atani Road, Nsugbe–Otuocha Road, Obodoukwu Road, Limca Road, Nkpor/Umuoji Road, and other important routes serving Onitsha and its neighbouring communities.
ONICCIMA noted that the situation is further compounded by the closure of Opi Bridge along 3.3 Road and the First Niger Bridge, as reported by road users, with serious implications for mobility, interstate commerce, supply chains and the movement of goods and people. “These disruptions are placing an enormous burden on businesses and households that depend on reliable road transportation for their daily activities. For Onitsha, one of Nigeria’s most important commercial centres, the implications are far-reaching. Hours lost in traffic translate into lost trading opportunities, delayed deliveries, increased fuel consumption, higher transportation costs, rising distribution expenses and reduced productivity.
While recognising the challenges associated with road construction, rehabilitation, and infrastructure maintenance, the Chamber insisted that the prolonged disruption of major transport corridors requires urgent, coordinated and decisive intervention. The Chamber called on all relevant road infrastructure agencies to accelerate ongoing road construction and rehabilitation works, with clear priorities, realistic completion timelines and effective supervision to ensure that contractors deliver quality work without unnecessary delays.
“Prioritise emergency repairs on the most severely damaged sections of Owerri Road, Atani Road, Nsugbe–Otuocha Road, Obodoukwu Road, Limca Road, Nkpor /Umuoji Road and other affected corridors.
The Chamber also called for the establishment of a transparent roadwork monitoring and communication mechanism through which the public can receive regular updates on construction progress, road closures, diversions, and expected completion dates.
It said the present situation threatens the ease of doing business in Onitsha and its surrounding industrial and commercial communities and if not addressed with urgency, the cumulative effects could weaken business confidence, increase the cost of goods and services, discourage investment, and further burden an already strained population.
“ONICCIMA stands ready to collaborate with the relevant authorities and stakeholders in identifying priority interventions and promoting sustainable solutions that restore mobility, protect livelihoods, and strengthen Onitsha’s position as the commercial and industrial hub of the South-East”, ONICCIMA stated.
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