Motorists and commuters in Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina states are raising concerns about the bad state of roads in the region.
They complained that the poor infrastructure is making travel difficult, unsafe, and slower, especially during the festive season.
A News Agency of Nigeria survey revealed that many road users blame the terrible roads for frequent accidents that cause loss of lives and property.
In Kano, drivers complained about the Gwarzo-Katsina, Kano-Maiduguri, and parts of the Kano-Zaria highways. Township roads like those in Dakata, Kurna, and Mariri are also in bad shape.
Isa Musa, a motorist, said, “The potholes and lack of road maintenance are causing delays and accidents.”
Another driver, Adamu Aminu, blamed the situation on poor funding and corruption. He called for better investment in road infrastructure.
An official from the Kano Road Maintenance Agency (KARMA) said the state had repaired over 50 roads, including Aminu Kano Way and Airport Road. However, residents say these repairs are not enough to solve the larger problems.
In Katsina, the government is rehabilitating the 39-kilometre Shargalle-Dutsi-Ingawa road for N13.8 billion. Governor Dikko Radda said the road is important for trade and farming but had been neglected for years. He assured residents that 40% of the project funds had been paid and promised quality work.
Traditional leaders like Alhaji Lawal Sani praised the project. “This road was built by Balarabe Musa years ago, but it has been abandoned,” he said.
Katsina’s Commissioner for Works, Sani Magaji, said the government is monitoring the contractor to ensure the road is completed on time.
In Kaduna, residents noted improvements in urban roads but said rural areas still suffer neglect.
Lazarus Anche, a Barnawa resident, appreciated the township road projects but called for more focus on rural roads that farmers use to transport their goods.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers Kaduna Secretary, Suleiman Bature, praised ongoing efforts but criticized the slow pace of work. “This delay affects us and makes operations difficult,” he said.
The Federal Government has also launched “Operation Free Our Roads” to fix bad roads nationwide. The programme includes pothole repairs, bridge maintenance, and road safety improvements.
