By Onu Okorie

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the Maje-Dikko section of the Suleja–Minna corridor, directing the concessionaire handling the project to complete emergency remedial works 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 of the road, where motorists, commuters and truck drivers have been stranded for several days.
Goronyo, who represented the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, at the site, said the emergency intervention was in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Works.
He said the Federal Ministry of Works had mobilised the concessionaire, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and representatives of the transport sector to coordinate efforts to restore the free flow of traffic.
“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.
The affected Maje-Dikko section forms part of the approximately 7.9-kilometre Suleja–Minna corridor being executed under a concession arrangement.
According to the minister, the condition of the road had deteriorated further due to the heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly trucks servicing the NNPC depot in the area. The pressure had caused portions of the asphalt pavement to fail, worsening the traffic congestion.
Goronyo said the permanent rehabilitation of the corridor would involve the construction of continuous reinforced concrete pavement as part of the Federal Ministry of Works’ efforts to introduce more durable construction technologies under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He assured motorists that the Federal Government was committed to finding a lasting solution to the problem and reducing the recurrence of traffic disruptions along the corridor.
“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 commended the FRSC for deploying personnel to the area to manage traffic and support the emergency intervention. He directed the concessionaire to provide the necessary equipment, technology and manpower to execute the remedial works efficiently and to the required standards.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, said the agency had mobilised personnel to the affected section to manage traffic and protect motorists and other road users throughout the intervention.
He assured the ministry of the FRSC’s continued support to facilitate the restoration of free-flowing traffic and maintain safety along the corridor.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, described the intervention as evidence of collaboration between the government and the private sector in tackling transportation challenges.
Ademola acknowledged the difficulties faced by commuters and expressed confidence that the situation would improve within the 48-hour timeframe.
“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 company had mobilised to the site and would deploy the required resources to complete the emergency works as quickly as possible.
“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.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, welcomed the intervention and stressed the importance of sound engineering, road safety and effective traffic management along the corridor.
Meanwhile, a tanker driver, Mr. Ezekiel Oyosome, said motorists had endured severe hardship as a result of the gridlock, with some drivers reportedly spending between nine and ten days on the route.
Oyosame welcomed the government’s intervention, expressing hope that the ongoing works would bring relief and restore normal traffic movement.
The Federal Ministry of Works said it would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to provide immediate relief to road users while pursuing the permanent rehabilitation of the corridor to improve safety, durability, connectivity and economic activities along the route.