The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated an emergency intervention to alleviate the persistent traffic gridlock along the Maje-Dikko axis of the Suleja–Minna corridor. This move follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and instructions from the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi. The Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, inspected the affected section of the road and expressed concern over the hardship experienced by motorists, commuters, truck drivers, and other road users.
The emergency intervention involves the concessionaire, who has been directed to complete immediate remedial works within 48 hours to restore the free flow of traffic. Goronyo stated that the Federal Ministry of Works had mobilized relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the concessionaire, and representatives of the transportation sector, to ensure a coordinated response to the situation. The affected section forms part of the approximately 7.9-kilometre Suleja–Minna corridor being handled under a concession arrangement.
The deterioration of the pavement has been aggravated by the heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly those associated with the NNPC depot in the area. This has resulted in the failure of portions of the asphalt pavement, further worsening the traffic situation. Goronyo disclosed that the permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would incorporate continuous reinforced concrete pavement, in line with innovative construction technologies promoted by the Federal Ministry of Works under the Renewed Hope Agenda of Tinubu.
The Minister of State for Works assured road users that the Federal Government is committed to providing a durable solution that would improve the resilience of the corridor, enhance road safety, and minimize the recurrence of traffic disruptions. He commended the FRSC for its prompt mobilization of personnel to the area to manage traffic and support the emergency intervention. Goronyo also directed the concessionaire to deploy the necessary equipment, technology, and manpower required to execute the emergency works efficiently.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, commended the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders for their coordinated response to the traffic situation. He stated that the FRSC had mobilized personnel to the affected area to support traffic management and ensure the safety of motorists and other road users throughout the intervention period. Mohammed said the FRSC would continue to provide the necessary support to the ministry to facilitate the free flow of traffic and maintain a safe motoring environment.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, acknowledged the hardship caused by the prolonged gridlock and said commuters should expect significant improvement within the stipulated timeframe. He apologized to commuters for the difficulties they have experienced and stated that the work is already progressing. The Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium, Mr. Isaac Abeka, said the company had already mobilized to the site and would deploy all necessary resources to complete the emergency works within the shortest possible time.
The president of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, expressed support for the intervention, stressing the importance of sound engineering, road safety, and effective traffic management in maintaining a safe and efficient road network. He said transport operators would continue to cooperate with relevant government agencies to promote safe and orderly movement along the corridor. The emergency work is expected to be completed within the next 48 hours, with the concessionaire working to restore the free flow of traffic.
Key points
- The Federal Government has commenced an emergency intervention to address the persistent traffic gridlock along the Maje-Dikko axis of the Suleja–Minna corridor.
- The concessionaire has been directed to complete immediate remedial works within 48 hours to restore the free flow of traffic.
- The permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would incorporate continuous reinforced concrete pavement, in line with innovative construction technologies promoted by the Federal Ministry of Works.
