The Federal Government has moved swiftly to address the severe gridlock plaguing the Bida‒Lambata Road, a critical artery connecting Nigeria’s northern and southern regions.
Following urgent appeals from National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has directed the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately deploy contractors for emergency repairs.
The directive comes in response to growing concerns over persistent traffic congestion, which brought movement to a complete standstill for four days, causing immense hardship for commuters and transporters.
Alhaji Yusuf Uthman, President of NARTO, highlighted the road’s strategic importance for the movement of goods and services, commending the govt’s approval for its reconstruction but emphasizing the immediate need for intervention.
The Minister acknowledged the critical importance of the road, describing the current situation as unfortunate and unacceptable.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, citing ongoing landmark projects like the Sokoto‒Badagry Super Highway and the Lagos‒Calabar Coastal Highway.
“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,” stated Minister Goronyo.
He instructed the Managing Director of FERMA, Dr. Emeka Agbasi, to collaborate with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to mobilize personnel, contractors for emergency repairs, aiming to reduce gridlock, patch potholes, and restore smooth vehicular movement.
The long-term solution involves a comprehensive reconstruction of the 350-kilometer stretch from Lambata to Bida, Mokwa, Tegina, and Kontagora, under the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. 
While awaiting the full commencement of this major project, critical portions
of the road will be maintained to ensure uninterrupted movement of goods and services.
Dr. Agbasi of FERMA commended the Minister’s proactive leadership and assured stakeholders of immediate compliance with the directive.
He emphasized the vital role of transport stakeholders like NARTO, calling them “the eyes of the road” for observations and cooperation in identifying challenges.
This collaborative effort underscores the Federal Government’s determination to deliver sustainable infrastructure
development and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
