The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Works to urgently rehabilitate the 65-kilometer Oyo-Ogbomosho highway, highlighting the critical need to prevent potential spillage of petroleum products, which could pose significant safety risks to surrounding communities and road users.
This call follows a recent tanker explosion in Jigawa State, emphasizing the potential dangers of neglected roads. In a letter addressed to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday, NARTO President Yusuf Othman stressed that the deteriorating condition of the highway has caused traffic to stall for several days, affecting the movement of goods, particularly petroleum products.
The letter, titled “Urgent Attention Needed on Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway,” appeals for immediate repairs to avoid the potential loss of lives and property due to accidents or spills. Othman underscored the urgency of the situation, urging swift government action to address the worsening state of the road.
The letter read, “We wish to commend the federal government for its commendable efforts to rehabilitate roads and highways across the country. However, we write to inform you of the worsening condition of the Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway, which has been holding traffic to a standstill for several days.
“There is an urgent and immediate need for accelerated attention on this critical road.”
The NARTO president said the Oyo-Ogbomosho Highway plays a significant role in Nigeria’s economic and social development, serving as a key artery for the movement of goods, passengers, and essential services between the northern and southern parts of the country.
According to him, the highway’s deteriorating condition has already caused severe gridlock, resulting in extended travel delays, economic losses, and heightened safety risks.
He disclosed that the consequences of the state of the road collapse are felt not just by NARTO members but by the entire population that depends on the road for their daily activities.
Describing the road as perilous, he reminded the government of the inflammable products that are stranded in the middle of nowhere and how disastrous their explosion could be.
The letter added, “We would like to draw your attention, particularly to the risk of traffic gridlocks involving tankers transporting inflammable materials.
“The potential for accidents is high under the current conditions, and the consequences could be catastrophic.
“As we have sadly seen in the past, most notably with the tragic Incident in Jigawa State where more than 90 lives were lost, the failure to address road conditions can lead to unnecessary and preventable disasters.
“We urge that all necessary actions be taken to avoid a similar tragedy on this vital road.”
Othman also said, “Considering this, we respectfully request that your office prioritize the rehabilitation of the Highway and fast-track whatever measures are necessary to restore safe, free-flowing traffic. We also recommend that immediate temporary measures be put in place to address the current bottlenecks while more comprehensive repair work is undertaken.
The NARTO boss expressed confidence in the leadership and commitment of the ministry to the improvement of the country’s road infrastructure.
He pledged the association’s support for any government initiative tailored to bring lasting solutions to the highway.
Othman, who said he looked forward to seeing positive developments, reiterated that NARTO members’ safety depends on a swift government intervention.
He said, “We remain confident in your leadership and commitment to improving Nigeria’s road infrastructure and are willing to support any initiatives that would bring lasting solutions to this issue.
“The safety and well-being of road users, including our members, depend on swift and decisive action.
“Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to seeing positive developments on this urgent matter, the letter concluded.
