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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Federal Government has commenced an emergency intervention to address the persistent traffic gridlock along the Maje-Dikko axis of the Suleja–Minna corridor.
Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, has directed the concessionaire to complete the immediate remedial works within 48 hours to restore the free flow of traffic.
Goronyo gave the directive on Friday, September 18, 2026, 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 who have been trapped in the gridlock for several days.
The minister said the emergency intervention was in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the instructions of the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, who is currently in Lagos inspecting ongoing Federal Government road projects.
Representing Minister of Works at the site, Goronyo 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 co-ordinated 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,” the minister stated.
He 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 Tinubu.
He assured road users that the Federal 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.
The minister commended the Federal Road Safety Corps for its prompt mobilisation of personnel to the area to manage traffic and support the emergency intervention.
He also directed the concessionaire to deploy the necessary equipment, technology and manpower required to execute the emergency works efficiently and in accordance with the required standards.
Speaking during the inspection, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, commended the Federal Ministry of Works and other stakeholders for their co-ordinated response to the traffic situation.
He said the FRSC had mobilised 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.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the president on transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, said the intervention demonstrated the commitment of the Federal Government and the private sector to addressing critical transportation challenges affecting Nigerians.
He acknowledged the hardship caused by the prolonged gridlock and said commuters should expect significant improvement within the stipulated timeframe.
“We apologise to the commuters for the difficulties they have experienced. The work is already progressing, and we are committed to ensuring that within the next 48 hours, there will be a significant difference in the condition and management of the road,” he said.
The Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium, Mr. Isaac Abeka, said the company had already mobilised to the site and would deploy all necessary resources to complete the emergency works within the shortest possible time.
“We have mobilised to the site already, and we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the emergency work is done in record time and the road is opened for the free flow of traffic,” he said.
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 co-operate with relevant government agencies to promote safe and orderly movement along the corridor. ENDS
