The Bauchi-Jos road, a vital artery that connects the North East with the North Central, has become a death trap.
Leaders from the Northern part of Nigeria, particularly the governors and lawmakers from the North Eastern region, must take this issue with utmost seriousness. Unfortunately, their actions seem to suggest otherwise, as the road, which stretches for less than 150km, has become a nightmare for commuters due to its deplorable state.
While it is true that the leaders from the region have abandoned this route in favour of air travel, it is equally true that their absence has contributed significantly to the dilapidated state of the road. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who hails from the North East, governors, lawmakers and other top members of the political class have seemingly turned a blind eye to the plight of their constituents who are forced to endure the hazardous condition of the road. The devastating consequences of this neglect are evident in the numerous fatalities that occur daily on the road.
The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has failed to adequately manage and maintain this vital road.
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Instead of allocating trillions of naira to construct new roads where there is no pressing need, such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, it would be more sensible for the federal government to prioritise improving the condition of existing roads that claim lives daily due to their deplorable state.
The Bauchi-Jos road is not just any ordinary road; it is a lifeline for millions of people who rely on it for their livelihoods.
It is high time that our leaders took concrete steps to address this issue and ensure that this road is made safe and motorable. The government’s inaction has led to untold suffering and loss of lives, and it is imperative that we demand accountability and effective action from our leaders.
It is also imperative that the region’s leaders take immediate action to address this crisis. They must work with relevant agencies to ensure that the road is expanded, rehabilitated and maintained regularly. Anything less would be unacceptable, especially given the devastating human cost of inaction.
Comrade Muhammed Bello can be reached via [email protected].
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