Minister Gives Ultimatum On Suleja-Minna Road

Minister of State for Works Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo has directed the concessionaire to complete the immediate remedial works on the Suleja–Minna corridor within 48 hours to restore the free flow of traffic.

He gave the directive on Friday during an inspection of the affected section of the road where he expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by motorists, commuters, truck drivers and other road users trapped in the gridlock for several days.

He said the inspection followed the persistent traffic gridlock along the Maje-Dikko axis and the emergency repair works.

Goronyo in a statement by his special assistant on media Abdullahi Mohammed said the emergency intervention was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu and the instructions of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, who is currently in Lagos inspecting ongoing road projects.

Goronyo while representing the minister at the site, said the Federal Ministry of Works had mobilised relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the concessionaire and representatives of the transportation sector, to ensure an immediate and coordinated response to the situation.

According to him, the affected Maje-Dikko section forms part of the approximately 7.9-kilometre Suleja–Minna corridor being handled under a concession arrangement, with the concessionaire expected to deliver the broader project within the stipulated contractual period.

“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,” he stated.

The minister explained that the deterioration of the pavement had been aggravated by the heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly those associated with the NNPC depot in the area, resulting in the failure of portions of the asphalt pavement and further worsening the traffic situation.

Goronyo disclosed that the permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would incorporate continuous reinforced concrete pavement, in line with the innovative construction technologies being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Works under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He assured road users that the government was committed to providing a durable solution that would improve the resilience of the corridor, enhance road safety and minimise the recurrence of 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.