By Peter Jatau
The Auditor-General of the National Road Travellers and Motor Parks Association of Nigeria (NARTPAN), Ambassador Hamisu Gidado Abba Namnai, has called on the Federal Government and relevant state governments to urgently rehabilitate the Bida-Lagos Road, describing its deteriorating condition as a major threat to the movement of people and goods.
Namnai said the poor condition of the highway had subjected motorists, commercial drivers and travellers to prolonged delays, with some motorists reportedly spending up to six hours navigating difficult sections of the road.
He said the situation was adversely affecting the transportation sector, particularly drivers, transporters and motor park unions whose earnings depend heavily on the smooth movement of vehicles.
According to him, there had been reports that Dangote Cement Limited was partnering with the federal and state governments to rehabilitate the road, but the expected intervention had yet to materialise.
“We heard that Dangote Cement Ltd was partnering with the federal and state governments to put the Lagos-Bida Road in order, but after many months of waiting nothing has been done,” Namnai said.
He explained that the poor road condition was affecting the movement of travellers and commercial vehicles heading towards Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Taraba and Plateau states, while also disrupting the movement of goods and services.
Namnai further said the prolonged delays had resulted in significant revenue losses for transport operators and motor park unions, making it increasingly difficult for affected families to meet their basic needs.
He therefore appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Assembly and the affected state governments to take immediate steps to restore the highway to good condition.
“We call on Mr President, the Vice President, the National Assembly and the various state governments to take urgent action to put the road in order so that there will be free, smooth and seamless movement of people, goods and services throughout the region,” he said.
NARTPAN Backs Tinubu
Meanwhile, Namnai declared the support of NARTPAN and its affiliate unions and organisations for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He described the association’s support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition as unwavering, saying members would mobilise support for the President across the country.
“We wish to express our utmost loyalty, support and solidarity for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” he said.
Namnai said NARTPAN believed the administration’s policies were aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerians and pledged that members of the association would campaign for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
He also called on Nigerians who support the President’s agenda to give him their cooperation and support as his administration continues to address the country’s economic and social challenges.
