By Our reporter
The House of Representatives has adopted a motion brought under matters of national importance seeking immediate intervention on the recurrent tanker explosions, fatal accidents, and persistent gridlock along the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko Road in Niger State.
The motion, sponsored by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Finance, and Member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi (SMA), was seconded by Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Mahmud, who represents Agaie/Lapai Federal Constituency.
Presenting the motion, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi expressed deep grief over the recent tanker explosion at Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area, which claimed over 30 lives, injured more than 40 persons, and destroyed vehicles and goods worth millions of naira. He lamented that the tragedy was only one among several similar incidents that have occurred along the same corridor in recent months.
He noted that the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko Road is a major federal highway linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country, serving as a vital route for the movement of petroleum products, agricultural produce, and other goods. However, the lawmaker observed that the road has remained in a deplorable condition despite successive contract awards for its rehabilitation.
Rt. Hon. Abdullahi decried the continued neglect of the road, which he said has led to frequent gridlocks, destruction of goods, loss of productive hours, and untold hardship for commuters and residents—turning the route into a death trap for motorists and traders alike.
In adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately mobilize contractors for the full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the road, particularly the sections between Bida and Agaie.
The House also mandated the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tankers and heavy-duty vehicles, and directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and medical assistance to the victims and families affected by the Essa Village tanker explosion.
Furthermore, the House mandated its Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and review the status of previous contractual arrangements. A report is expected within two weeks for further legislative action.
Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi stressed that the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata–Diko corridor remains a critical economic artery connecting Niger State’s agricultural belt to major markets and the nation’s capital. He therefore called for urgent and sustained government intervention to prevent further loss of lives and safeguard economic activities along the route.
Dodo Mustapha Alhaji
Senior Legislative Aide
October 22, 2025
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