Kaduna, Nigeria — The Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has appealed to the Federal Government to accelerate ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state, citing increasing road crashes and loss of lives.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Wednesday, the State Secretary of the Union, Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim, raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of key highways, particularly the Abuja-Kaduna expressway and the Kaduna Western Bypass.
He attributed the high rate of road accidents to the slow pace of ongoing construction work, calling on federal authorities to ensure that contractors expedite completion of critical road infrastructure.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to compel the contractors to hasten the construction process,” Ibrahim stated. “It is unacceptable for a journey that takes two hours from Abuja to Kaduna to be followed by an additional two hours navigating within Kaduna due to bad roads.”
He added that while weather conditions such as the rainy season may affect construction timelines, the volume of vehicular traffic on these routes demands timely completion of such projects.
Economic and Safety Implications
Ibrahim lamented the economic toll on the transport sector, revealing that some union members, particularly those operating smaller vehicles, have been forced to relocate to the Zuba-Abuja route due to the worsening road conditions in Kaduna.
“This situation is costing us revenue,” he said. “The Kaduna Western Bypass, in particular, has become a death trap. Accidents are a daily occurrence, leading to continuous loss of lives and property.”
He cited a recent example following the Eid-el-Kabir festivities, where a gridlock along the Jere-Kaduna highway lasted over four hours, calling it a clear indication of the urgent need for road infrastructure improvements.
The NURTW official urged the Federal Government to implement policy measures that will hold contractors accountable and ensure timely delivery of critical road projects.
Commendation for State Government Reforms
Ibrahim, however, commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for recent efforts to centralize motor park operations in the state. According to him, the relocation of all transport activities to the Mando Mega Motor Park has improved revenue generation, enhanced operational coordination, and significantly boosted security.
“Before this intervention, illegal motor parks posed serious security risks. Incidents of passengers falling victim to ‘one chance’ operators were common,” he explained. “Since the consolidation of parks at Mando, security has improved, and loading activities are now more orderly.”
He also praised the improved security on major routes within and outside the state, noting that travelers can now move between Kaduna and other cities such as Birnin Gwari, Jos, Abuja, and Kafanchan without fear.
Public Advisory and Commitment to Security
Alhaji Ibrahim assured continued cooperation between the NURTW, the state government, and security agencies, pledging the union’s support in promoting safety and order within the transport sector.
He urged members of the public to use only designated motor parks and avoid boarding vehicles along the roadside. He also emphasized the importance of filling out passenger manifests during travel, as a measure to enhance passenger safety.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 16, 2025
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