Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila, Senator representing Kano South Senatorial District has decried the perilous state of the Kano-Maiduguri Federal Highway, labelling it a “death trap” that continues to claim the lives of its users.
In a statement he issued in Kano on Sunday, Senator Sumaila also expressed his sympathy for the families of the 11 individuals who tragically lost their lives in a recent auto crash along the highway.
He emphasized the crucial importance of the road serving as a vital link between Nigeria and neighbouring countries such as the Chad Republic, Cameroon, Niger Republic, and the Central African Republic, the highway fosters significant economic activity and trade among these nations.
The road also serves as a vital artery connecting Kano with states like Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, and Borno, playing an integral role in their economic development.
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Senator Sumaila lamented the lack of completion of the highway project, which was initiated almost 17 years ago.
Notably, a significant portion of the roadway, particularly from Wudil to Gaya, remains unfinished, resulting in numerous accidents and loss of lives among motorists.
He criticized the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the contracted firm for the delayed completion of the project, despite substantial budget allocations.
Senator Sumaila pointed out the broader implications of the highway’s incomplete state, noting how it has led traders to divert their businesses away from Kano to other states.
He also highlighted the persistent security challenges along the roadway, including armed robbery incidents. Despite previous complaints to relevant authorities, these issues persist, further underscoring the urgent need for completion.
In his concluding remarks, Senator Sumaila reiterated the imperative for fairness in budgetary allocations across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to ensure the timely execution of critical infrastructure projects.
He called on the Federal Ministry of Works and the project contractor to prioritize the completion of the road to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of countless Nigerians who depend on it for their daily activities.
