NURTW Calls for Urgent Completion of Kaduna Road Projects
The Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has called on the Federal Government to urgently complete the construction and rehabilitation of major roads across the state to prevent further loss of lives and property.
Frequent Crashes on Abuja-Kaduna Highway Raise Alarm
Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim, Secretary of the Kaduna NURTW, made the appeal during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday. He identified the Abuja-Kaduna highway and the Kaduna Western Bypass as major hotspots for road accidents, citing the deteriorating conditions and the slow pace of ongoing construction as major causes.
“Passing through Kaduna, a trip from Abuja takes just two hours, but due to road congestion, commuters spend an additional two hours just to get out of Kaduna. That’s not fair,” he said.
Ibrahim expressed concern over delays possibly caused by the rainy season and urged the Federal Government to compel contractors to speed up the work.
Transporters Relocate Due to Hazardous Roads
Loss of Revenue and Operations Shift
According to Ibrahim, the poor state of roads has pushed some transporters—especially those operating smaller vehicles—to relocate from Kaduna to Zuba-Abuja routes in search of safer roads and better business opportunities.
“We’re losing revenue because several vehicles have stopped operating from Kaduna. The Western Bypass is now a death trap,” he lamented.
Gridlocks and Fatalities Continue
High Volume, Poor Roads Creating Bottlenecks
Ibrahim referenced the four-hour gridlock along Jere-Kaduna highway after the recent Sallah celebrations as an example of the chaos these poor roads cause.
He urged the Federal Government to implement strict monitoring policies to ensure timely completion of strategic projects, especially considering the high number of vehicles passing through the state daily.
Praise for Gov. Uba Sani’s Transport Reforms
Centralisation of Motor Parks Improves Security
The NURTW secretary commended Governor Uba Sani for his decision to centralize all motor parks in Kaduna State, describing the initiative as effective in combating crime and enhancing revenue.
“Before now, illegal motor parks posed security risks. But with the relocation to Mando Mega Motor Park, operations are now safer and more organised,” he noted.
Reduced Crime and Increased Orderliness
He explained that the move has reduced incidents of ‘one chance’ robberies, where criminals posed as drivers to rob unsuspecting passengers.
“With all unions operating from Mando, revenue generation and commuter safety have improved significantly,” Ibrahim added.
Public Advised to Use Designated Motor Parks
NURTW Pledges Support for Government and Security Agencies
Ibrahim reiterated the union’s commitment to working closely with the Kaduna State Government and security agencies to maintain order and ensure safety on the roads.
He also urged the public to avoid boarding vehicles by the roadside, and to always fill the passenger manifest for their safety during inter-state travel.
