FRSC, Presidency Move to End Bida–Kutigi Gridlock
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), in collaboration with the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Works, has commenced an immediate intervention to restore free flow of traffic along the affected sections of the Bida–Kutigi corridor in Niger State.
The intervention followed a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for urgent action to address the prolonged traffic gridlock and ease the hardship being experienced by motorists, commuters, transport operators and residents along the corridor.
The move was announced after a high-level meeting involving the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, mni; the Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transport and Mobility, Prince Ademola Adetokunbo; and the National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal.
The meeting focused on immediate and practical measures to complement the sustained traffic management operations already being carried out by FRSC personnel deployed along the affected routes.
The Corps said the intervention is aimed at reopening blocked sections of the roads, restoring normal traffic movement, reducing the hardship faced by road users and preventing further disruption to economic activities along the corridor.
One of the major areas of concern is the Wuya Bridge between Kutigi and Bida, where traffic congestion is frequently experienced, particularly on Wednesdays due to increased vehicular activity associated with the weekly market.
According to the FRSC, its commands in Bida and Kutigi have consistently deployed personnel every Wednesday to manage traffic and facilitate smoother movement around the area.
More serious, however, are reported blockages along sections of the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie road, which have remained obstructed in both directions for about 15 days.
Another major obstruction has also affected the Maje–Diko Junction axis, in front of the Suleja NNPC Depot, for approximately the same period.
The Corps said the prolonged obstructions have had significant consequences for motorists, transport operators and the movement of goods and passengers along the corridor.
Consequently, the Corps Marshal has directed FRSC personnel to maintain strategic presence and intensify traffic management operations along the affected routes while the intervention by the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Works addresses the underlying obstructions.
The FRSC acknowledged the frustration, delays and economic losses being experienced by road users and appealed for patience and cooperation as the coordinated intervention gets underway.
Motorists were particularly urged to remain calm, obey traffic control instructions, avoid reckless overtaking and refrain from actions capable of further worsening the congestion.
The Corps assured motorists, commuters, transport operators and residents that the safety, mobility and welfare of road users remain a priority, adding that all necessary institutional efforts are being mobilised to return the affected corridors to normal operation as quickly as possible.
