By SUNDAY ABBA, Abuja
The Nigerian House of Representatives has called for the federal government’s urgent intervention to address the recurring tanker Explosions, accidents, Gridlock and other challenges on Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Diko road in Niger State.
The call followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by the member representing
Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, Niger State, Hon. Sa’idu Musa Abdullahi, at the Plenary on Wednesday.
Presenting the motion, he said the recent tanker explosion at Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, which tragically claimed over 30 lives and left more than 40 others injured, destroying vehicles, livestock, and perishable goods worth millions of naira was a tragic reminder of the series of accidents witnessed in the state.
He said, the tragic incident occurred along the Bida – Agaie – Lapai – Lambata–Diko Road, a major federal highway linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country, serving as a vital route for the transportation of petroleum products, agricultural commodities, and other goods.
According to him, the Essa Village disaster is only one among several recurrent tanker explosions and fatal accidents that have occurred along this corridor in recent months, leading to the persistent loss of lives, livelihoods, and public confidence in the safety of the route.
He said, “The Bida – Agaie – Lapai – Lambata – Diko Road has remained in deplorable condition for decades, despite successive administrations awarding multiple contracts for its rehabilitation, none of which has been fully executed or delivered.
“The rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road was at a point under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to leverage corporate tax obligations for critical infrastructure delivery”.
Hon. Abdullahi expressed concern that despite the potential of the Tax Credit Scheme to fast-track infrastructural development, the federal government recently announced the cancellation of NNPC intervention on roads, leaving several ongoing or proposed projects – including the Bida – Agaie – Lapai – Lambata – Diko Road – in uncertainty and execution limbo.
He lamented that the continued neglect of this vital highway has resulted in frequent gridlocks, destruction of goods, loss of productive hours, and severe hardship for commuters and residents, while turning the road into a death trap for motorists, tanker drivers, and traders.
The lawmaker further emphasised that, the Bida – Agaie – Lapai – Lambata – Diko corridor is not only crucial to Niger State but also to the nation’s economic network, connecting agricultural production zones to markets and the FCT, thereby demanding immediate federal attention and sustainable interventions.
The House adopted the motion and urged the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately mobilise resources and contractors to commence full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the Bida – Agaie – Lapai – Lambata – Diko Road, especially the sections between Bida and Agaie.
It mandates the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations, ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency response protocols.
It also urge the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and medical support to the victims and families of the Essa Village tanker explosion.
The House also mandates the House Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and the status of its previous contractual arrangements, and report back within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.