FG orders 48-Hour fix for Suleja–Minna gridlock

By Onu Okorie

Federal Government has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the Maje-Dikko section of the Suleja–Minna corridor, directing the concessionaire handling the project to restore free flow of traffic within 48 hours.
The Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, gave the directive on Friday, September 18, 2026, during an inspection of the troubled section, which has subjected motorists, commuters and truck drivers to prolonged hardship.
Goronyo, who represented the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, said the emergency intervention was being undertaken in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Works Ministry leadership.
The minister said the Federal Ministry of Works had mobilised the concessionaire, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and representatives of the transport sector to coordinate the emergency response and tackle the gridlock.
He said the affected Maje-Dikko stretch forms part of the approximately 7.9-kilometre Suleja–Minna corridor being delivered under a concession arrangement.
“The emergency work is to be completed within the next 48 hours. The concessionaire has already been mobilised to the site, and we are committed to ensuring that the gridlock is brought under control as quickly as possible,” Goronyo said.
He attributed the deterioration of the pavement partly to the heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly trucks servicing the NNPC depot in the area, which had contributed to the failure of portions of the asphalt pavement and worsened the traffic situation.
Goronyo disclosed that beyond the emergency repairs, permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would involve continuous reinforced concrete pavement.
According to him, the proposed permanent solution is consistent with construction technologies being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Works under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“We have seen the pains of Nigerians who use this road. We appeal to commuters and motorists to remain patient with us. The Federal Government is committed to resolving this situation and restoring normal traffic flow,” he said.
The minister also directed the concessionaire to deploy the required equipment, technology and manpower to execute the emergency works efficiently and in accordance with approved standards.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, commended the Works Ministry and other stakeholders for their coordinated response, saying the corps had deployed personnel to manage traffic and safeguard motorists throughout the intervention.
He assured that the FRSC would continue to support the ministry in facilitating free movement and maintaining safety along the corridor.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, said the intervention reflected collaboration between the Federal Government and private-sector concessionaires in addressing critical transportation challenges.
“We apologise to the commuters for the difficulties they have experienced. The work is already progressing, and we are committed to ensuring that within the next 48 hours, there will be a significant difference in the condition and management of the road,” he said.
The Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium, Mr. Isaac Abeka, said the concessionaire had already mobilised resources to the site and would work to complete the emergency repairs within the shortest possible time.
“We have mobilised to the site already, and we will do everything humanly possible to ensure that the emergency work is done in record time and the road is opened for the free flow of traffic,” Abeka said.
President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, supported the intervention, emphasising the need for sound engineering, road safety and effective traffic management along the corridor.
Meanwhile, a tanker driver, Mr. Ezekiel Oyosome, said motorists had suffered severe hardship as a result of the gridlock, with some drivers reportedly spending between nine and 10 days on the route.
He welcomed the emergency intervention, expressing hope that the repairs would restore normal movement and ease the burden on transport operators.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to providing immediate relief to road users while pursuing permanent rehabilitation of the corridor.
Regulatory and contractual implications
The intervention also places renewed focus on the responsibilities of the private concessionaire under the Suleja–Minna concession arrangement. While the emergency works are intended to restore traffic quickly, the ministry’s directive that the concessionaire deploy the necessary resources highlights the importance of enforcing contractual maintenance and performance obligations.
The proposed transition from emergency asphalt repairs to continuous reinforced concrete pavement also indicates that the Federal Government is seeking a more durable engineering solution for a corridor exposed to heavy articulated-vehicle traffic.