The Nigerian Senate has requested the Federal Government to task the Federal Ministry of Works with re-awarding the reconstruction contract for the Bauchi-Ningi Federal Highway. Lawmakers highlighted the road’s significant degradation and its vital role as a corridor connecting the North-East and North-West regions. Furthermore, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been instructed to perform immediate temporary repairs on the most damaged portions until a complete overhaul can be finalized.
These actions were prompted by a motion led by Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central. He emphasized that the road, which dates back to the late 1980s, has endured years of abandonment and lack of routine upkeep. The combination of structural aging and heavy traffic has resulted in deep potholes and pavement collapse.
Senator Ningi reported that the journey between Bauchi and Ningi—a 100-kilometer stretch—now takes nearly four hours instead of one. This delay hampers economic activity and agricultural logistics. Moreover, the hazardous state of the road has led to a rise in accidents, security incidents, and vehicle breakdowns, placing commuters at risk. The Senate Committee on Works is now tasked with visiting the site and submitting a comprehensive report within four weeks to guide further legislative steps.
