The Federal Government has condoled with the people of Essan Community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State following the 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 deliver the government’s message of sympathy and support.
During the visit to the Community Head, the Dekechi of Essan, Alhaji Muhammad Dauda Muhammad, Engr. Umahi, in a message delivered through his representative, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing it as “a painful and avoidable incident.”
“The Federal Ministry of Works mourns with you at this difficult time,” Umahi said. “We pray for the peaceful repose of the departed souls and strength for the families they left behind.”
The Minister said the incident highlights the urgent need to accelerate the reconstruction of critical highways across the country, particularly the Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road in Niger State.
“This sad event underscores the urgent need to accelerate, especially, the ongoing reconstruction of the Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road in Niger State,” he said. “We are fully committed to ensuring safer and more reliable road infrastructure to avert future occurrences of such tragedies.”
Following the message, prayers were offered for the repose of the departed souls and divine comfort for their grieving families.
Responding, the Dekechi of Essan, Alhaji Muhammad Dauda Muhammad, commended the Minister for his compassion and swift response, lamenting the deplorable condition of the road linking the community.
“We thank the Honourable Minister for standing with us in our moment of grief,” he said. “The bad state of the road has made movement extremely difficult and dangerous. We appeal to the Federal Government to give urgent attention to this route so that lives can be saved.”
The community leader also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to strictly enforce regulations against overloading, especially the illegal practice of carrying passengers on tankers and trucks.
“We urge the FRSC to stop the overburdening of articulated vehicles with human beings,” he said. “Most of those who lost their lives in the inferno were such travellers who were not indigenes.”
Speaking further, Engr. Ahmed said the visit demonstrated the Ministry’s human-centred approach under Engr. Umahi’s leadership, focused on delivering durable road infrastructure and responding swiftly to communities affected by road-related tragedies.
“The Honourable Minister has directed that immediate assessments be carried out on the affected section with a view to implementing lasting engineering solutions that will improve safety and mobility,” he said.
Ahmed criticised the slow pace of work on the road project, describing it as “too slow and unacceptable,” and directed the contractor, Messrs CGC (Nig.) Ltd, to intensify work by deploying additional resources to site.
“The contractor needs to mobilise more equipment to the site and let us have free movement of vehicles. Failure to do so, in the next few days, will attract decisive action,” he warned.
In response, Mr. Fan Bo, Project Manager of CGC (Nig.) Ltd, assured that the company would mobilise additional equipment within days to speed up construction and ease traffic flow.
“We will increase our equipment and manpower immediately to improve movement and ensure faster progress on the road,” he said.
Also speaking, the Deputy Director of Construction at the Ministry’s Niger State office, Engr. Nasir Ahmed, explained that the Minister’s directive aligns with ongoing efforts by the Niger State Government to address traffic congestion and reduce accidents along the corridor.
“This is a follow-up to the Niger State governor’s efforts,” he said. “The Minister wants serious action so that there will be no more gridlocks or accidents on this road.”
He appealed to motorists, particularly truck drivers, to exercise patience and cooperate with contractors during the construction period.
“Their impatience causes a lot of the nuisances we see,” he added. “They should be patient and follow instructions so that work can progress smoothly.”
The 124.8-kilometre Lambata–Lapai–Agaie–Bida Road project, awarded several years ago, has been divided into two phases by the current administration. Phase One covers 92 kilometres from Lambata to Agaie, valued at ₦39 billion, with 10 kilometres left to complete, while Phase Two, from Agaie to Bida, is expected to be awarded soon.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the reconstruction of key federal roads across Nigeria to enhance safety, ease transportation, and support economic growth.
“Under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi, the Ministry of Works remains committed to a human-centred approach that focuses on delivering durable, safe, and responsive road infrastructure for all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
Boluwatife Enome
