The Federal Government has ordered the immediate rehabilitation of the Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road in Nasarawa State as a contingency against potential flooding along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.
The directive, issued by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, instructs the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to commence work without delay, ensuring the route remains motorable should rising waters disrupt the main highway.
A statement signed by Queenet Iheoma-Hart, Director of Press and Public Relations, on Saturday, noted that the directive was issued during a stakeholders’ engagement with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria.
Goronyo described the move as proactive, aimed at minimising disruption to economic activities and facilitating the movement of people and goods between the North and South.
“The Minister of State for Works has directed FERMA to immediately commence the rehabilitation of Loko–Oweto–Agatu Road as an alternative route in case of envisaged flooding on Abuja–Lokoja,” the statement said.
He further revealed that the Federal Executive Council approved several critical infrastructure initiatives, including urgent repairs on strategic bridges such as Carter Bridge, Third Mainland Bridge, and Donga Bridge in Taraba State, to strengthen Nigeria’s economic corridors and improve nationwide access for motorists.
Goronyo highlighted the Ministry’s workload across major routes, including Abuja–Lokoja, Abuja–Kaduna–Kano, and Sokoto–Zaria, praising President Bola Tinubu as “the people’s president” for prioritising infrastructure under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He also commended Minister of Works, David Umahi, for his engineering expertise and dedication.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to delivering modern, safe, and durable infrastructure, while urging the leadership of NARTO and IPMAN to uphold accountability and selfless service.
“Public office is a burden that must be discharged with full accountability. There is no time for comfort zones; you must work day and night to deliver on your mandate,” Goronyo stated.
FERMA MD/CEO, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, highlighted the agency’s focus on managing the road network, prioritising economic corridors, addressing vandalism, and updating Nigeria’s road corridor map to guide maintenance planning.
NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, praised President Tinubu’s initiative in delivering compressed natural gas buses, including 5 units of 50-seaters and 20 units of 14-seaters, noting a 30% reduction in transport costs for NARTO operations. He also welcomed the Ministry’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority on axle load limits, effective from October 1, restricting trucks to 45,000 litres to protect road infrastructure.
Similarly, IPMAN President, Alhaji Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, pledged full support for the Ministry’s efforts, stating, “Even a blind man can see this government is doing its best to keep Nigerian roads in order. We stand fully behind your work.”
