By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has directed immediate remedial works on the Maje-Dikko axis of the Suleja–Minna corridor, promising significant relief from the prolonged traffic gridlock within 48 hours.
According to an official statement signed by Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Adviser on Media to the Minister of State for Works, the directive was issued by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, on Friday, September 18, 2026, during an inspection of the affected section.
Goronyo, who represented the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, expressed concern over the hardship being experienced by motorists, commuters and truck drivers who have been trapped on the route for several days.
He said the emergency intervention was in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works, adding that the Federal Ministry of Works had mobilised the concessionaire, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other stakeholders to address the situation.
“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,” Goronyo said.
The Minister attributed the deterioration of the road to the heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly trucks servicing the NNPC depot in the area, which had contributed to the failure of portions of the asphalt pavement.
He disclosed that the permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would involve the construction of continuous reinforced concrete pavement to provide a more durable solution and minimise future disruptions.
Goronyo appealed to motorists and commuters to remain patient, assuring them that the Federal Government was committed to restoring normal traffic flow and improving safety along the corridor.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, said the Corps had deployed personnel to manage traffic and ensure the safety of road users during the intervention.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, apologised to commuters for the difficulties caused by the gridlock and said the intervention was expected to bring significant improvement within the 48-hour timeframe.
The Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium, Mr. Isaac Abeka, said the concessionaire had mobilised equipment and personnel to the site and would work to complete the emergency repairs within the shortest possible time.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, expressed support for the intervention and pledged the cooperation of transport operators.
A tanker driver, Mr. Ezekiel Oyosome, said some motorists had spent between nine and ten days on the route due to the gridlock, describing the emergency intervention as a welcome development.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to providing immediate relief to road users while pursuing permanent rehabilitation of the corridor to improve safety, connectivity and economic activities.
