FG Orders 48-Hour Emergency Fix for Maje-Dikko Gridlock — Goronyo
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Federal Government has ordered an emergency intervention to end the prolonged traffic gridlock along the Maje-Dikko axis of the Suleja–Minna corridor, directing the road concessionaire to complete immediate remedial works within 48 hours.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Muhammad Goronyo, during an inspection of the affected section on Friday, September 18, 2026, following days of severe hardship for motorists, commuters, truck drivers and other road users.
The development was contained in a press release signed by Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Adviser on Media to the Honourable Minister of State for Works, dated September 18, 2026.
Goronyo, who represented the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, at the site, said the emergency intervention was being undertaken in line with directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Works Minister, who was in Lagos inspecting other Federal Government road projects.
The Minister said relevant stakeholders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the concessionaire and representatives of the transportation sector, had been mobilised to ensure a coordinated response and restore traffic movement along the corridor.
“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 handled under a concession arrangement.
Goronyo attributed the deterioration of the pavement to heavy movement of articulated vehicles, particularly trucks associated with the NNPC depot in the area, which had contributed to the failure of sections of the asphalt pavement and aggravated the traffic situation.
FG Plans Permanent Concrete Rehabilitation
Beyond the immediate intervention, the Minister disclosed that permanent rehabilitation of the affected corridor would involve continuous reinforced concrete pavement, in line with construction technologies being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Works.
He said the long-term solution was intended to improve the resilience of the road, enhance safety and reduce the recurrence of traffic disruptions along the busy 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.
Goronyo also directed the concessionaire to deploy the necessary equipment, technology and manpower required to execute the emergency works efficiently and according to the required standards.
FRSC Mobilises Personnel
The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, commended the Ministry of Works and other stakeholders for their coordinated response to the crisis.
Mohammed said the FRSC had deployed personnel to the affected area to manage traffic and protect motorists and other road users throughout the intervention.
He assured the Ministry of the Corps’ continued support to facilitate free traffic flow and maintain a safe motoring environment along the corridor.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola, said the intervention reflected the Federal Government and private sector’s response to critical transportation challenges.
“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,” Ademola said.
Concessionaire Promises Rapid Completion
The Managing Director of Trunkroad Consortium, Mr. Isaac Abeka, confirmed that the company had already mobilised to the site and would deploy the required resources to complete the emergency works.
“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, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, welcomed the intervention, stressing the importance of sound engineering, road safety and effective traffic management in maintaining an efficient road network.
He said transport operators would continue to cooperate with relevant government agencies to promote safe and orderly movement along the corridor.
Motorists Seek Relief After Days in Gridlock
A tanker driver, Mr. Ezekiel Oyosome, speaking on behalf of affected motorists, said the prolonged gridlock had subjected drivers to severe hardship, with some reportedly spending between nine and ten days on the route.
He welcomed the emergency intervention and expressed optimism that the ongoing works would restore normal movement and provide relief to road users.
The Federal Ministry of Works reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to provide immediate relief while pursuing permanent rehabilitation of the corridor to improve safety, durability, connectivity and economic activities along the Suleja–Minna route.
