Abuja: The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Works to urgently collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the Niger State Government, Security Agencies, and Transport Unions, to effectively manage and alleviate the prolonged traffic gridlock affecting the Suleja-Lambata-Bida highway in Niger State. This directive is aimed at restoring the free flow of traffic and ensuring the safety and well-being of commuters.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the House has also instructed the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), and the Federal Road Safety Corps to immediately deploy personnel and resources to support the efforts of the Niger State Government, which has already set up a Task Force to address the issue. The House further directed an emergency assessment of the road conditions and engagement with the contractor responsible for the project to identify delays and develop long-term solutions to prevent future traffic disruptions.
The resolutions follo
wed the adoption of a motion titled ‘Urgent Need To Address The Gridlock On The Suleja-Lambata-Bida Highway In Niger State That Could Lead To Loss Of Lives And Breakdown Of Law And Order,’ sponsored by several representatives including Mr. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, Mr. Abdullahi Idris Garba, and Mr. Shehu Saleh Rijau, among others. The House noted that the gridlock, stretching over 18 kilometers between Lambata and Suleja, has severely disrupted traffic, affecting numerous vehicles and motorists.
The road is a vital federal highway, crucial for connecting Northern and Western States and facilitating the movement of people and goods, including essential and perishable items. The gridlock, primarily caused by significant potholes along Maje to Dikko Junction, has forced small vehicles on emergency journeys to take insecure alternative routes. This situation has resulted in a loss of valuable man-hours, negatively impacted perishable goods, and increased the risk of accidents and criminal activities, endangering th
e safety of commuters and residents.
The House expressed concern over the hardships faced by road users, who have been deprived of access to quality food, healthcare, and efficient transportation. Reports of a corpse found abandoned on an alternative route have further highlighted the severity of the situation, posing a threat to national security and the well-being of citizens. The Federal Government’s previous attempts to address the issue through reconstruction and dualization contracts awarded in 2010 and 2015 have not progressed satisfactorily, despite alternative funding efforts.
The House Committee on Works and Legislative Compliance has been tasked with ensuring adherence to these resolutions, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the gridlock to safeguard the economy and security of the nation.