Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has issued a firm directive for the immediate acceleration and completion of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass, following a disturbing rise in fatal road accidents along the corridor. The decision reflects the government’s growing concern over public safety and its determination to prevent further loss of lives on one of the state’s busiest transport routes.
The Governor’s directive came after an emergency stakeholders’ meeting convened to address the increasing number of crashes recorded on the 21.5-kilometre expressway stretching from Command Junction to Mando Roundabout. The meeting brought together key players in the transport and infrastructure sectors, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Authority (KASTELEA), contractors handling the project, and transport union leaders.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, conveyed the Governor’s deep concern over the tragic incidents. He described the repeated accidents as unacceptable and emphasized that no level of infrastructural progress should come at the cost of human lives. According to him, the Governor has made it clear that urgent and decisive steps must be taken to address both the condition of the road and the behavior of its users.
Maiyaki explained that although significant progress has been made on the project—with approximately 19 kilometres already completed—the Governor is not satisfied with the current pace of work. Originally scheduled for completion in December 2026, the project is now expected to be delivered much earlier, as part of intensified efforts to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow in the area.
He further disclosed that a multi-agency task force has been established to ensure strict monitoring of the construction process and enforcement of safety standards. The task force is expected to work round the clock, particularly during the rainy season when road conditions tend to deteriorate and visibility becomes poor, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
In addition to construction-related issues, the Commissioner highlighted that unsafe road usage has significantly contributed to the frequent crashes. He noted that reckless driving, over-speeding, and disregard for traffic rules have compounded the risks faced by motorists and commuters along the bypass. As a result, the state government is set to intensify public awareness campaigns aimed at educating road users on safe driving practices and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations.
The government also plans to collaborate closely with enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with road safety laws. This includes stricter monitoring of commercial drivers, enforcement of speed limits, and the installation of warning signs and safety measures along critical sections of the road.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed their commitment to supporting the government’s efforts. Contractors assured that they would mobilize additional resources to meet the revised timeline, while transport unions pledged to sensitize their members on responsible driving habits.
The Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass is a critical infrastructure project designed to ease traffic congestion within Kaduna metropolis and provide an alternative route for motorists. However, the recent spate of accidents has raised serious concerns about its safety, prompting the government to take swift and decisive action.
Governor Uba Sani’s intervention underscores his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that development projects deliver their intended benefits without unintended consequences. As work intensifies on the bypass, residents and commuters alike are hopeful that the combined efforts of government and stakeholders will restore safety and confidence on the road.