By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The Kaduna State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has called on the Federal Government to fast-track the construction and rehabilitation of key roads in the state, citing a rise in accidents and loss of lives and property.
The State Secretary of the union, Alhaji Hassan Ibrahim, made the appeal on Wednesday in Kaduna during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Ibrahim said the slow pace of road work, especially along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and the Kaduna Western Bypass, has caused persistent crashes.
“We want to appeal to the Federal Government to take urgent steps and compel contractors to speed up the completion of these critical road projects,” he said. “Motorists and commuters are suffering. A journey from Abuja to Kaduna takes about two hours, but moving through Kaduna alone can take another two hours due to bad roads. It’s simply unfair.”
While acknowledging that the rainy season may be causing delays, Ibrahim stressed that the heavy volume of traffic on these roads requires urgent attention.
He also lamented the financial burden on NURTW members, noting that many drivers, especially those with smaller vehicles, have abandoned Kaduna routes and relocated to safer roads like Zuba in Abuja.
“This situation is hurting us financially,” he said. “The Western Bypass has become a death trap with frequent accidents and repeated loss of lives and property.”
He urged the government to introduce policies that would hold contractors accountable and ensure timely completion of road projects.
“If you recall, just four weeks ago after Sallah, there was a massive gridlock along the Jere-Kaduna highway that lasted over four hours. We cannot afford for such incidents to continue,” he added.
On a positive note, Ibrahim praised Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for relocating all commercial vehicles to the Mando mega motor park, which he said has improved security and revenue collection.
“Before now, illegal motor parks were springing up across Kaduna, posing serious security risks. But with the governor’s directive, all loading and offloading are now conducted in an organised manner at Mando,” he said.
He noted a decline in cases of “one chance” robberies and other crimes since the relocation, adding that passengers can now travel from Kaduna to destinations like Birnin Gwari, Jos, Abuja, and Kafanchan without fear.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting the state government and security agencies in maintaining order.
He also advised the public to use only approved motor parks, avoid roadside pickups, and always fill out passenger manifests for their safety.
