The Federal Government has commiserated with the people of Essan Community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State following a tragic tanker explosion that claimed several lives and destroyed properties.
A delegation from the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Salihu Kolapo Ahmed, Director of Highways (North Central), visited the community on behalf of the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to convey the government’s condolences and message of support.
Delivering the Minister’s message to the Dekechi of Essan, Alhaji Muhammad Dauda Muhammad, Engr. Umahi described the incident as “a painful and avoidable tragedy.” He extended prayers for the repose of the victims’ souls and comfort for their families.
Umahi said the disaster highlighted the urgency of accelerating the reconstruction of key highways across the country, especially the Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road, which has been a source of concern due to its deteriorating state.
“This sad event underscores the urgent need to speed up ongoing reconstruction of the Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road in Niger State,” the Minister said. “We are fully committed to ensuring safer and more reliable road infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.”
Responding, the Dekechi of Essan appreciated the Federal Government’s show of concern, lamenting the poor state of the road linking the community. He appealed for urgent intervention and urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to strictly enforce rules against overloading and the illegal transport of passengers on tankers and trucks.
Speaking further, Engr. Ahmed said the visit reflected the Ministry’s human-centred approach under Umahi’s leadership, which prioritizes durable road construction and swift responses to road-related disasters.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of work on the road and directed the contractor, Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd, to deploy additional resources immediately. “The pace of work is too slow and unacceptable,” he said. “If there’s no significant improvement within days, decisive action will follow.”
Mr. Fan Bo, Project Manager of CGC (Nig.) Ltd, assured that more equipment and manpower would be deployed to accelerate progress and ease traffic congestion.
Engr. Nasir Ahmed, Deputy Director of Construction at the Ministry’s Niger State office, noted that the Minister’s directive aligns with ongoing efforts by the state government to reduce traffic gridlocks and accidents along the route. He appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperate with contractors during the construction period.
The 124.8-kilometre Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road project, initially awarded years ago, has been split into two phases by the current administration — Phase One (92km from Lambata to Agaie) valued at ₦39 billion, with 10km remaining, and Phase Two (Agaie to Bida), which will soon be awarded.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to rebuilding key federal roads nationwide to improve safety, ease transportation, and drive economic growth.
“Under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi, the Ministry of Works remains committed to a people-focused approach aimed at delivering safe, durable, and responsive road infrastructure for all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
