The Federal Government has ordered emergency repairs on the Maje-Dikko section of the Suleja-Minna corridor, directing the concessionaire to restore free movement within 48 hours after days of severe traffic gridlock.
The Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, gave the directive on Friday during an inspection of the affected section, following directives from President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who is currently inspecting federal road projects in Lagos, Abdullahi Mohammed, his Special Assistant on Media, said in a statement.
While inspecting the affected section, where motorists, commuters and truck drivers had been stranded for days, the Minister said the Ministry had mobilised the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the concessionaire and transport-sector representatives to coordinate the emergency response.
The affected section is part of the approximately 7.9-kilometre Suleja-Minna corridor being handled under a concession arrangement.
‘The emergency work is to be completed within the next 48 hours. The concessionaire has already been mobilised to the site, and we are committed to ensuring that the gridlock is brought under control as quickly as possible,’ Goronyo said.
He attributed the deterioration of the road to heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly trucks serving the NNPC depot in the area, which had contributed to pavement failure and worsened the traffic situation.
Goronyo said permanent rehabilitation of the corridor would include continuous reinforced concrete pavement to improve its durability and reduce the likelihood of further traffic disruptions.
‘We have seen the pains of Nigerians who use this road. We appeal to commuters and motorists to remain patient with us. The Federal Government is committed to resolving this situation and restoring normal traffic flow,’ he said.
The Minister directed the concessionaire to deploy the equipment, technology and manpower required to complete the emergency works in line with stipulated standards.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the agency had deployed personnel to manage traffic and protect motorists and other road users during the intervention.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Adetokunbo Ademola, said the intervention reflected collaboration between government and the private sector to address transportation challenges.
‘We apologise to the commuters for the difficulties they have experienced. The work is already progressing, and we are committed to ensuring that within the next 48 hours, there will be a significant difference in the condition and management of the road,’ he said.
Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium, Isaac Abeka, said the company had mobilised to the site and would deploy the resources required to complete the emergency repairs promptly.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Yusuf Lawal Othman, welcomed the intervention and urged emphasis on sound engineering, road safety and effective traffic management.
A tanker driver, Ezekiel Oyosome, said some motorists had spent between nine and 10 days on the route because of the gridlock.
The Ministry said it would continue working with relevant stakeholders to provide immediate relief while pursuing permanent rehabilitation of the corridor, Goronyo assured.