From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Drivers under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) have cried out to the federal government over the deplorable state of the Oyo-Ogbomosho highway.
NARTO President Yusuf Lawal Othman said the road was responsible for the explosion of petroleum products from trucks, as recorded in Jigawa State a few days ago.
Othman, in a letter dated October 18, 2024, addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, was titled “Urgent Attention Needed on Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway.”
He drew the government’s attention to the worsening state of the road and insisted that urgent and immediate attention on the road has become expedient to forestall colossal damage to lives and property.
“We wish to commend the federal government for its commendable efforts to rehabilitate roads and highways across the country; however, we write to bring to your esteemed attention the worsening condition of the Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway, which has been holding traffic to a standstill for several days.
There is an urgent and immediate need for accelerated attention on this critical road,” said Othman.
The president stated that the Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economic and social development, serving as a key artery for the movement of goods, passengers, and essential services between the northern and southern parts of the country.
According to him, the highway’s deteriorating condition has already caused severe gridlock, resulting in extended travel delays, economic losses, and heightened safety risks.
He recalled that the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, had to personally assist with some palliative work to make the road motorable at some time in the past.
He disclosed that the consequences of the state of the road are felt not just by NARTO members but by the entire population that depends on the road for their daily activities.
Describing the road as perilous, he reminded the government of the inflammable products that are stranded in the middle of nowhere and how disastrous their explosion could be.
His words: “We would like to draw your attention, particularly to the risk of traffic gridlocks involving tankers transporting inflammable materials. The potential for accidents is high under the current conditions, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
“As we have sadly seen in the past, most notably with the tragic incident in Jigawa State, where more than 90 lives were lost, the failure to address road conditions can lead to unnecessary and preventable disasters.
“We urge that all necessary actions be taken to avoid a similar tragedy on this vital road.”
Othman also said, “Considering this, we respectfully request that your office prioritize the rehabilitation of the highway and fast-track whatever measures are necessary to restore safe, free-flowing traffic.
We also recommend that immediate temporary measures be put in place to address the current bottlenecks while more comprehensive repair work is undertaken.”
He expressed confidence in the leadership and commitment of the ministry to the improvement of the country’s road infrastructure.
He pledged the association’s support for any government initiative tailored to bring lasting solutions to the highway.
Othman, who said he looked forward to seeing positive developments, reiterated that NARTO members’ safety depends on swift government intervention.
He said, “We remain confident in your leadership and commitment to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure and are willing to support any initiatives that would bring lasting solutions to this issue.
The safety and well-being of road users, including our members, depend on swift and decisive action.”