Last year, the Kano-Maiduguri road suffered severe damage as a result of flooding. The disaster caused immense hardship to ordinary citizens, displaced several communities along the route, and inflicted economic losses running into hundreds of millions of naira. It also disrupted access to Maiduguri from key states such as Abuja, Kano, Jigawa and Yobe, effectively cutting off the North East from the rest of the country.
It will be recalled that on August 15, 2024, a federal government delegation led by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, accompanied by the governor of Bauchi State, visited the affected site. They assessed the extent of the damage and promised urgent intervention, recognising the road’s economic significance not just for the North East, but for the country as a whole. Unfortunately, to the dismay of the affected communities, no tangible action has been taken since that visit – only temporary fixes that have had little to no impact.
There is now growing concern among residents that if urgent intervention is not undertaken before the rains intensify, the road could suffer even more extensive damage than last year’s. This poses a serious threat to lives and property, as was previously experienced.
The rehabilitation of the Kano-Maiduguri road is not merely about filling potholes or patching the surface – it is a vital aspect of regional and national development. The benefits of well-maintained roads are immense: improved safety and reduced accidents, enhanced economic activities, better quality of life, strengthened social integration, and even environmental advantages.
Beyond the infrastructural failure, there are concerns about perceived neglect by the federal government toward certain regions – especially disheartening considering that this same region gave the current administration some of its highest number of votes.
As an optimist and a believer in equitable governance, I hold firmly that all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria deserve equal attention and investment. Every part of this country matters. Mr President must lead with sincerity of purpose and see all Nigerians as his constituency.
It is worth noting that during his visit, the minister of Works acknowledged this imbalance, stating: “Let me make it clear that the shortfall in road distribution was not the doing of President Tinubu, nor mine. However, the president is addressing it. That is why the fourth legacy project – stretching from Akwanga to Jos to Bauchi State – has been initiated. We are pleased that work is progressing significantly on major portions of the road in Bauchi State.”
The minister further pledged that the president is determined to provide adequate funding for legacy projects through various intervention mechanisms. It is hoped that the government will act swiftly and treat this as a matter of national urgency by repairing the damaged sections of the Kano-Maiduguri road, particularly within the Jama’are and Azare-Potiskum axis.
As an engineer, the minister of Works should set a precedent that prioritises action over rhetoric. When entrusted with responsibility, those in positions of power must demonstrate competence and a genuine commitment to service.
This is a humble but firm appeal to the federal government to urgently address the long-standing issue of the Kano-Maiduguri road, which remains in a state of disrepair since the devastating floods of last year.
Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani wrote from Azare, Bauchi State
