By Abdullahi Yusuf
Senator Sulaiman Kawu Sumaila has described the Kano-Maiduguri Federal Highway as a “death trap” that is claiming lives of its users.
Sumaila made the remark in a statement he issued to newsmen in Kano on Sunday.
He sympathised with families of 11 persons who lost their lives in an auto crash along the federal road last Friday.
It will be recalled that contract for the dualization of the over 550 kilometre road was awarded by the Federal Government at the end of the second tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Sumaila, who represents the Kano South Senatorial District, said the importance of this road to the Nigerian economy could not be over empathized as it links Nigeria with Chad republic, Cameroon, Niger republic and the Central Africa Republic, thereby boosting businesses among the affected countries.
He also said that the road which also connects Kano with Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe and Borno states, plays a greater role in the economic activities of the states.
Despite this importance, however, the lawmaker said, the road has claimed several lives due to non-completion of the project
He said for almost 17 years since the award of contract for the project, a portion of the road, particularly from Wudil to Gaya, has not been completed.
“It is regrettable that although over 50 kilometers of this portion of the road has been completed, a distance of less than 30 kilometers of the portion has not been completed, thereby causing accidents among motorists,”he said.
Sumaila also regretted that the non-completion of the project had compelled traders within Nigeria and the neighbouring countries to divert their businesses to states other than Kano.
“Apart from cases of accident, armed robbery has been taking place on this road for several years. I have personally complained to the relevant authorities, yet, the problem persists.
“It is very sad that the Federal ministry of works and housing and the contractor handling the project have failed to complete this project despite allocation of huge amount of money in the budget. I will continue to pursue the completion of this road.
“This is the reason why we are fighting for fairness in the budgetary allocations to the six geopolitical zones, but some people for their selfish interests are kicking against our moves.
“With enough budgetary allocations to the geopolitical zones, this kind of project would have been completed in time. It is our duty as members of the National Assembly to channel the plights and yearnings of our constituents to the executive arm of government in order to do the right thing to improve their wellbeing.
“And one of the surest ways to achieve this, is to ensure fairness and equality in budgetary allocations. This is the only way projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the common man will be executed.
“Kano-Maiduguri is one of the roads that is playing significant roles in the wellbeing of many Nigerians, therefore, the federal government should not joke with it,” Sumaila said.
He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the contractor handling the project to ensure the completion of the road in order to save the lives of the people.