By Paul Effiong, Abuja
House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing alongside the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, to immediately mobilise resources and contractors to commence full rehabilitation, expansion, as well as completion of Bida-Agaie-Lapai- Lambata-Diko Road, especially the sections between Bida and Agaie.
This followed a motion raised during plenary by Saidu Abdullah,i, the member representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency of Niger State.
While presenting his motion, the lawmaker called for the federal government’s intervention on the recurrent tanker explosions, fatal accidents and gridlock along the mentioned roads.
Consequently, upon the adoption of the motion, the House mandated the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, along with other relevant agencies to intensify enforcement of safety standards for tanker and heavy-duty operations, ensuring compliance with roadworthiness, loading procedures, and emergency response protocols.
Earlier his debate for the motion, Hon. Abdullahi noted with deep grief the recent tanker explosion at Essa Village in Katcha Local Government Area, which tragically claimed over 30 lives and left more than 40 others injured, destroying vehicles, livestock, and perishable goods worth millions of naira;
The House also urged the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, to provide relief materials and medical support to the victims and families of the Essa Village tanker explosion and while mandating its Committees on Works, FERMA, FRSC as well as Finance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and the status of its previous contractual arrangements, and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
