Banditry: Reps seek speedy completion of Abuja-Lokoja road

House of Representatives, on Tuesday, tasked Federal Government to immediately open the closed section of the Gwagwalada – Abaji – Kotonkarfe -Lokoja Expressway, particularly during this Christmas, to ease traffic congestion for travellers.

The lawmakers also tasked Federal Government on the need to expedite reconstruction and rehabilitation works on failed portions of the Abuja-Lokoja highway in bid to ensure safe passage for commuters and mitigate the risk of attacks by bandits and other criminal elements.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on matter of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Danladi Aguye.

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In his lead debate, Hon. Aguye observed that Gwagwalada-Abaji-Kotonkarfe-Lokoja expressway serves as a major gateway connecting the Federal Capital Territory to the North-Central and Southern parts of Nigeria, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and commuters between Abuja, Kogi, and other states in the federation.

“The House also notes that the road is a critical economic corridor used daily by thousands of motorists, transporters and traders, and serves as a strategic route for the transportation of petroleum products and agricultural produce from the southern to the northern regions of the country.

“The House is aware that despite its economic importance, the highway has continued: to deteriorate due to poor maintenance, failed portions, erosion, and frequent flooding, especially around Abaji, Gwagwalada, and Lokoja making travel extremely difficult and unsafe for road users.

“The House is concerned that the deplorable condition of the road has led ta, incessant accident, loss of lives, destruction of goods and vehicles, prolonged. traffic gridlocks,,and heightened insecurity as stranded commuters often fall victim to armed robbery and kidnapping along the route.

“The House is further concerned that the slow pace of ongoing rehabilitation works by the Federal Ministry of Works has compounded the suffering of motorists, with some sections virtually impassable during the rainy season.

“The House recognizes that the neglect of this critical infrastructure undermines national development efforts, hampers economic productivity, and contradicts the Federal Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and ensuring safe mobility across the country,” he noted.

In the bid to address the concerns, the House urged Federal Ministry of Works to collaborate with relevant agencies to immediately open the closed section of the Gwagwalada-Abaji-Kotonkarfe-Lokoja expressway, particularly during this Christmas, to ease traffic congestion for travellers.

The House also tasked Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify safety campaigns and deploy personnel to manage traffic and reduce accidents along the affected sections.

The lawmakers also urged Federal Government to include the complete rehabilitation and expansion of the Abuja—Lokoja Highway as a priority project in the next national budget.

To this end, the House mandated the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure strict adherence to this resolution.

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