By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to immediately mobilize resources and contractors to commence full rehabilitation, expansion, and completion of the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata-Diko Road, especially the sections between Bida and Agaie.
The House also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations, ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency respoSnse protocols. 
This resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Saidu Musa Abdullahi on the “Urgent Need For Intervention on The Recurrent Tanker Explosions, Fatal Accidents, And Gridlock Along The Bida-Agaie–Lapai–Lambata-Diko Road in Niger State on Wednesday at plenary.
Rep. Abdullahi who represents Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency of Niger State noted with deep grief the recent tanker explosion at Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, which tragically claimed over 30 lives and left more than 40 others injured, destroying vehicles, livestock, and perishable goods worth millions of naira.
According to him, the tragic incident occurred along the Bida–Agaie–Lapai-Lambata–Diko Road, which is a major federal highway linking Niger State to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of the country, and served as a vital route for the transportation of petroleum products, agricultural commodities, and other goods.
The lawmakers further noted that the Essa Village disaster is only one among several recurrent tanker explosions and fatal accidents that have occurred along the route in recent times, and last led to persistent loss of lives, livelihoods, and public confidence in the safety of the roads.
He stated that the route has remained in deplorable condition for decades, despite successive administrations awarding multiple contracts for its rehabilitation, none of which has been fully executed or delivered;
He said: “Also aware that the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the road was at a point under the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model designed to leverage corporate tax obligations for critical infrastructure delivery;
“Concerned that despite the potential of the Tax Credit Scheme to fast-track infrastructural development, the Federal Government recently announced on cancellation of NNPC intervention on roads; leaving several ongoing or proposed projects – including the Bida – Agaie – Lapai – Lambata – Diko Road – in uncertainty and execution limbo”.
He expressed worries that the abandonment of this vital highway has brought about frequent gridlocks, destruction of goods, loss of productive hours, and severe hardship for commuters and residents, while turning the road into a death trap for motorists, tanker drivers, and traders;
“Recognizes that the Bida–Agaie–Lapai–Lambata-Diko corridor is not only crucial to Niger State but also to the nation’s economic network, connecting agricultural production zones to markets and the FCT, thereby demanding immediate federal attention and sustainable interventions”, the lawmaker added.
The lawmakers adopted the motion and directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials and medical support to the victims and families of the Essa Village tanker explosion.
The House also mandated its Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC, and Finance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and status of its previous contractual arrangements, and report back within two (2) weeks for further legislative action.
