The Kaduna State Government has issued a firm directive to accelerate and complete the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass, declaring the ongoing delays “completely unacceptable” in light of repeated fatal accidents along the corridor.
The decision followed an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened at the request of Governor Uba Sani, who expressed serious concern over the increasing number of crashes on the 21.5-kilometre expressway, which runs from Command Junction through the bypass to Mando Roundabout.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki, conveyed the governor’s concern and urgency:
“His Excellency is profoundly disturbed by the tragic loss of lives recorded on this highway. No level of progress can justify the continued loss of even a single life. This situation is intolerable, and decisive action must be taken immediately.”
The high-level meeting included key stakeholders, such as representatives from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), KASTELEA, the main contractor, Dangote Industries, subcontractors Tata & Sao, and leaders of transport unions, including NARTO, NURTW, and ACCOMORAN.
Maiyaki noted that although the project was awarded in 2021, before the current administration, progress had been slow until Governor Uba Sani personally intervened.
“Since the governor’s direct involvement, we have seen a noticeable improvement in the pace of work. However, progress alone is not enough—timely completion is now non-negotiable.”
The Federal Controller of Highways and the contractors reported that about 19 kilometres of the road have been completed. Despite the original completion target of December 2026, the governor has now issued a clear order for earlier delivery.
“His Excellency has made it unequivocally clear: this project must be delivered ahead of schedule. Any further delays will not be tolerated.”
To ensure strict compliance, the government has established a multi-agency task force to oversee construction and enforce safety measures around the clock, especially during the rainy season.
The task force, led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Works, includes the FRSC, KASTELEA, officials from the Federal Ministry of Works, contractors, community leaders, traditional rulers, and transport unions. The Ministry of Information has been tasked with leading a vigorous public awareness and behavioural change campaign.
Maiyaki emphasized that unsafe road use has significantly contributed to the accidents, noting that several high-risk crossing points have been identified.
“Beyond infrastructure, human behaviour remains a critical challenge. We are working closely with communities to promote safer road practices. Recklessness on our roads must stop.”
He also highlighted that both construction standards and road usage must meet international best practices:
“We are committed to ensuring that this road meets global safety standards—not just in design, but also in how it is used.”
The government’s action follows increasing pressure from community leaders and youth groups, who have described the situation along the bypass as a “serious public safety emergency” with broader economic and social implications.
With the new directive and enforcement mechanisms in place, the Kaduna State Government says it is determined to restore safety, speed up delivery, and ensure that the Western Bypass fulfills its purpose without further loss of life.
