FG Sends Delegation to Essa, Orders Urgent Repair on Lambata–Bida Road
The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has expressed deep sympathy to the people of Essa Community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State following the tragic tanker explosion that claimed several lives and destroyed property.
Represented by the Director of Highways, North Central, Engr. Salihu Kolapo Ahmed, the Minister sent a delegation to Essan to condole with the victims’ families and assure the community of the Federal Government’s commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.
Engr. Umahi described the incident as a painful and avoidable loss, noting that it highlights the urgency of reconstructing the Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road. He ordered the contractor handling the project, Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd., to mobilise more equipment and accelerate work immediately.
“This tragedy is a wake-up call,” the Minister said through his representative. “The Federal Government is determined to ensure that this road is fixed without further delay to safeguard lives and ease transportation in this corridor.”
During the visit, the delegation offered prayers for the deceased and presented the Minister’s condolence message to the community. The traditional ruler of Essa, Alhaji Muhammad Dauda Muhammad, appreciated the Minister’s prompt response and compassion.
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“We thank the Honourable Minister for reaching out to us at this difficult time,” the Dekechi of Essan said. “The road has been in a terrible condition, making movement dangerous. We appeal for urgent action so that such tragedies will not happen again.”
Addressing journalists after inspecting sections of the road, the Director of Highways, North Central, reiterated the Ministry’s determination to speed up work and deliver quality infrastructure. He warned the contractor against further delays, insisting that the pace of work must be improved immediately.
“The Minister has directed that more equipment be deployed within days,” Engr. Ahmed stated. “Any further delay will attract serious sanctions. We must ensure free movement and safety for all road users.”
The Project Manager of Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd., Mr. Fan Bo, assured the government and community that the company would intensify efforts and bring in additional machinery to fast-track progress.
Similarly, the Deputy Director of Construction, Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development, Engr. Nasir Ahmed, noted that the directive aligns with the state government’s efforts to end recurring accidents and congestion on the highway.
“This collaboration between the state and federal governments shows a shared commitment to saving lives and improving the transport network,” he said, appealing to motorists and truck drivers to be patient and cooperative during the ongoing works.
The 124.8-kilometre Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road project is divided into two phases. Phase 1, covering 92 kilometres from Lambata to Agaie, is valued at ₦39 billion, with about 10 kilometres left to completion. Phase 2, from Agaie to Bida, will commence soon.
