Abuja-Lokoja Highway: Monarch Urges FG To Fix Bad Sections Before Ember Months

The Ohimegye Igu of Koton Karfe, Dr Saidu Akawu Salihu, has urged the Federal Government to urgently repair critical sections of the Abuja-Lokoja highway ahead of the Ember months to prevent traffic gridlock, accidents and possible loss of lives.

The traditional ruler made the call on Tuesday during a visit to the Federal Ministry of Works office in Lokoja, where he raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of several portions of the highway.

Salihu said the visit followed a resolution of the Koton Karfe Traditional Council mandating him to engage relevant authorities on the challenges faced by motorists and communities along the busy corridor.

He appealed to the Ministry of Works to urgently intervene on several sections between Abaji and Lokoja, particularly the stretches from Chikara to Abaji, Aseni to Omoko, Idu Bridge, Gegu Egba to Ahoko, Manyare to Gegu-Beki Gaba, Okpana to Ozi Community, as well as the diversion at Koton Karfe.

The monarch also called for immediate repairs around the first and second bridges and Iziho Community, describing the affected locations as major sources of concern for motorists and residents.

While acknowledging that the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja highway remained the ultimate solution, Salihu said temporary repairs on the most critical sections would provide immediate relief and reduce congestion and accidents.

“Every day we live in fear of mishaps that lead to calamity. This is why the Traditional Council asked me to personally visit and express our concern over the state of the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Road,” he said.

He lamented that persistent traffic congestion along the route was forcing motorists and residents to spend several hours on the road, resulting in significant loss of productive time and, in some cases, fatalities.

“Our people and motorists plying the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway have suffered untold hardship. I urge you to take responsibility as we enter the Ember months,” the monarch added.

Responding, the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Owoniya Bankole, acknowledged the concerns and described the Koton Karfe-Abaji axis as a major hotspot.

Bankole, however, said measures had already been activated to ease the difficulties experienced by motorists and communities along the corridor.

He explained that some of the delays were associated with the Federal Government’s decision to change the highway’s pavement design from asphalt to concrete.

According to him, although concrete construction takes longer to complete, it provides greater durability, a longer service life and lower maintenance requirements.

The controller assured the monarch that the identified critical sections would be given priority attention, while apologising to residents and motorists for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing construction.

He also disclosed that the Ministry of Works would strengthen collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies to address factors contributing to traffic congestion and improve safety along the highway.

The visit ended with the presentation of a letter addressed to the Minister of Works by the Ohimegye Igu, formally detailing the concerns and requests of the Koton Karfe Traditional Council.