The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has directed the immediate reopening of all sections of the Abuja–Kaduna-Kano highway currently under rehabilitation following prolonged gridlock that left thousands of commuters stranded ahead of the Eid al-Adha celebrations.
In a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Francis Nwaze, Umahiordered the contractor handling the project, Infiouest Nigeria Limited, to open up every accessible section of the road to ease traffic congestion and ensure safer movement during the festive period.
The minister said the decision became necessary following severe traffic build-up along the corridor, worsened by increased holiday travel, ongoing rehabilitation works and heavy rainfall.
“The Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, has directed the contractor handling the Abuja–Kaduna-Kano Road project, Infiouest Nigeria Limited, to immediately open all sections of the road to ease the movement of commuters traveling during the Eid al-Adha festive period and ensure safer and smoother journeys,” he stressed
Security agencies have also been deployed to strategic points along the road to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of road users throughout the festive season.
the statement said.
Umahi also confirmed that an earlier accident along the highway, which contributed to the congestion, had been completely cleared.
He added that security agencies had been deployed to strategic locations along the route to maintain order and guarantee the safety of motorists and other road users throughout the holiday season.
The Abuja-Kaduna highway, one of Nigeria’s busiest transport corridors linking the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the northern region, witnessed hours-long traffic snarls beginning Monday, leaving travellers trapped in stationary traffic for extended periods.
According to reports, many passengers travelling to northern states for the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations spent several hours on the road as vehicular movement slowed to a crawl.
Commuters blamed the situation on a combination of ongoing reconstruction work, a surge in festive travel and poor weather conditions caused by heavy rains.
Some travellers described the experience as exhausting and chaotic, noting that trips that normally last less than three hours stretched into almost an entire day.
The federal government has in recent months intensified reconstruction work on critical sections of the Abuja–Kaduna-Kano highway, which has suffered years of deterioration despite its economic and strategic importance.
Emmanuel Addeh
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