House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately mobilize resources and contractors to commence full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the Bida-Agaie, Lapai-Lambata to Diko Road in Niger state.
The house gave the directive while adopting a motion of urgent public importance by a member from Niger state Sa’idu Abdullahi, on the need to intervene on the recurrent tanker explosions, fatal accidents and Gridlock along Bida-Agaie, Lapai-Lambata.
Leading a debate on the motion, Sa’idu Abdullahi, expressed concern on how the recent tanker explosion at Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, claimed over 30 lives 40 others injured, destroying vehicles, livestock, and perishable goods worth millions of naira.
Sa’idu Abdullahi, maintained that the Bida-Agaie, Lapai-Lambata, Diko Road, being the major federal highway linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country, serving as a vital route for the transportation of petroleum products and agricultural commodities remained in a deplorable condition for decades.
He further confirmed that the continued neglect of the highway has resulted in frequent gridlocks, destruction of goods, loss of productive hours, and severe hardship for commuters and residents, while turning the road into a death trap for motorists, tanker drivers and Trac protocol
The lawmaker however, stressed the need for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations, by ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency response protocols.
While adopting the motion the house has mandated it’s Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and the status of its previous contractual arrangements, and report back to the green chamber within two weeks for further legislative action.
COV: SALIHU TSIBIRI
