Niger South Community Development Associations Call for National Emergency Declaration for Bida-Lapai-Lambata Highway
In a compelling open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Coalition of Niger South Community Development Associations has issued an urgent appeal for action regarding the deteriorating condition of the Bida-Lapai-Lambata Federal Highway.
The coalition underscores that the road, once a critical economic artery connecting Nigeria’s northern and southern regions, has become a major hazard due to prolonged government neglect.
The highway has played a vital role in facilitating the transportation of food, livestock, fuel, and commercial goods, but its degradation has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic challenges, severely affecting the livelihoods of many residents. The coalition pointed to a recent tragic incident involving a fuel-laden tanker explosion, which claimed the lives of at least fifty people, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructural intervention along this route.
Describing the state of the road as a “perilous death trap,” the coalition emphasized that the ongoing deterioration has led to rising fatalities, disrupted commerce, and isolated travelers. In light of these alarming developments, organizations representing the Niger South Senatorial District are demanding immediate accountability and action from the government.
In their letter, the Coalition requested that the Bida-Lapai-Lambata road be declared a National Infrastructure and Humanitarian Emergency. They outlined several specific demands aimed at addressing the crisis, which include:
1. The prompt mobilization of federal emergency task forces to conduct urgent repairs and site preparations within seven days.
2. Allocation of dedicated emergency funding for the road, alongside a transparent review of previous contract awards to identify and hold accountable those responsible for delays and failures.
3. Establishment of a clear, public timeline for the comprehensive reconstruction of the road, ensuring accountability for timely completion.
The coalition also expressed their readiness to take further action should there be no response from the government within 30 days. They outlined potential next steps, including organizing peaceful demonstrations, pursuing legal action against federal agencies for their failure to maintain safe highways, and petitioning the National Assembly for intervention.
As community leaders, including Comrade Muhammad Jameel Muhammad of the Bida Forum and Engr. Muhammad Dagaci the President of CAGRAT, reiterated the urgency of their call, they implored the President to act decisively to safeguard the lives and economic stability of the people relying on this critical infrastructure.
The coalition remains hopeful for a positive response, urging that the time for excuses is over and it is now imperative for the government to take action to avert further loss of life and economic strife caused by this neglected roadway.
