Expressing deep concern, Muhammadu Yahaya, who serves as both the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and the Governor of Gombe State, lamented the disregard for the 50-year-old Gombe-Bauchi Expressway. He highlighted the irony of the Federal Government constructing a railway to Maradi in the Niger Republic while neglecting this crucial road infrastructure.
His frustration was evident as he inspected the recently collapsed bridge in Kalanja, Bauchi State. He emphasized that over the past five years, the road had deteriorated significantly and urgently needed reconstruction due to its vital role in supporting businesses within the Northeast region.
He said, “I had to come because I have no option. This is not Gombe State, this is Bauchi, I’m sure the governor of Bauchi has been here, don’t be surprised if the governor of Adamawa comes here or Borno State because of the importance of this road. It has been a lingering issue for nearly five years but I know in the last three years it used to happen like this either in the other points of Tashan Tulmi and Bara town.
“The Federal Government has to come in as a matter of urgency and address this issue you can see vehicles and people around all our livelihood is dependent on this road. Yesterday I had to call the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works before then I was at the Federal Ministry of Works four times, on this issue and it has not been solved. This is part of Nigeria, I just want to remind them this is part of Nigeria and this problem has to be solved; if they had all the money to take a rail line and go to Maradi in Niger Republic they should have no reason not to address this issue in Gombe State, In Adamawa, Bauchi States and it’s an emergency.
“We need bridges and complete reconstruction because this road is nearly 50 years old and it can’t stand any longer.”
Adding his perspective, Engineer Bitrus Dauda, an official from the Federal Ministry of Works, voiced confidence that the ongoing persistent issues would be effectively addressed.
“I will not leave here until they fix everything. We are here day and night to ensure the road maintenance is completed,” Dauda said.
Furthermore, Patrick Ekava, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps Bauchi command, affirmed that there had been no recorded accidents following the bridge collapse.
The Sector Commander said, “You can observe that this is a major pathway to the Northeast and the FRSC is always here. We have made provision for barriers to protect unsuspecting motorists.”
