The Federal Government has directed the immediate mobilisation of contractors to the troubled Bida–Lambata Road corridor following worsening gridlock and the deteriorating condition of the highway.
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq, gave this directive during a meeting with stakeholders of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), led by its President, Alhaji Yusuf Uthman, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Goronyo specifically ordered the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to commence urgent intervention works, particularly along the critical Age-Bida section of the road, to ease traffic congestion and restore smooth vehicular movement.
The Minister assured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing the hardship being faced by motorists and commuters along the corridor, which reportedly experienced complete traffic paralysis over the last four days.
Speaking during the meeting, the NARTO President commended the Federal Government for approving the reconstruction of the road but stressed the need for the immediate mobilisation of contractors to the site.
According to him, the Bida–Lambarde Road remains one of Nigeria’s most strategic transport corridors because of its importance in the movement of goods and services between the northern and southern parts of the country.
Responding, Goronyo described the situation on the road as unfortunate and unacceptable, reaffirming the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to infrastructure development nationwide.
He stated that the administration remains focused on road construction and rehabilitation as part of efforts to promote economic growth, safer transportation, and national connectivity.
The Minister noted that the Federal Government had already embarked on several major infrastructure projects across the country, including the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the Abuja–Kaduna Road project.
“As an agency responsible for road maintenance, we cannot fold our arms while Nigerians continue to suffer. The President is deeply concerned about the hardship being experienced by motorists and commuters along this corridor,” the Minister said.
He consequently directed FERMA, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies, to urgently deploy personnel and contractors to carry out emergency repairs, patch potholes, and improve traffic management along the road.
Goronyo further disclosed that the reconstruction of the Bida–Lambata Road falls under the Federal Government’s long-term Tax Credit Scheme through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
According to him, the reconstruction project will cover the stretch from Lambata to Bida, Mokwa, Tegina, and Kontagora, spanning approximately 350 kilometres.
He assured Nigerians that pending the full commencement of the major reconstruction project, critical portions of the road would continue to receive maintenance attention to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of people, goods, and services.
The Minister maintained that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated an unprecedented commitment to infrastructure development, noting that strategic investments in roads, rail, and other critical sectors remain central to the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of FERMA, Dr Emeka Agbasi, commended the Minister for his prompt intervention and proactive leadership in addressing the challenges on the corridor.
Agbasi assured stakeholders that the agency would immediately comply with the directive by mobilising contractors and maintenance teams to commence emergency repairs and traffic management operations.
He also praised NARTO and other transport stakeholders for their cooperation and constructive engagement, describing them as critical partners in identifying challenges affecting road users across the country.
Similarly, Chairman of the FERMA Board, Alhaji Musa Babayo, lauded the Minister, the agency’s management, and stakeholders for their collaborative efforts toward improving road infrastructure and enhancing the welfare of Nigerians.
