Niger state government, has announced the closure of some roads to articulated vehicles, to pave the way for speedy repairs being carried out across the state.
A statement by the Spokesperson to governor Abubakar Sani-Bello, Mary Noel-Berje made available to Ashenewsonline on Tuesday, said all roads, including Minna-Bida, had been barricaded to stop heavy trucks from accessing the roads.
“The closure of the roads is coming after the state government announced the close down of all its roads to articulated vehicles some weeks back.
“The Minna-Bida road, which has witnessed incessant breakdown of articulated vehicles on the road, has
caused untold hardship on commuters.
“Other roads closed are: Lapai-Paiko, Chanchaga Bridge-Maikunkele, Muye-Lapai and Zungeru-Wushishi roads,” the statement reads.
The government assured that the restriction of articulated vehicles on the state-owned roads, “would be effective as series of critical stakeholders meetings have held and the stakeholders have been in support of the decision,” stressing that the closure only affects the state-owned roads.
It warned that any articulated vehicles caught on the closed roads would be dealt with.
Government enjoined its citizens to show some level of understanding as it is not unaware of the inconveniences the restriction will cause.
Some of the drivers of the trailers also welcomed the development of the closure, saying they are in full support hoping that the restriction will bring about the desired result.
Yusuf Ahmed, one of the articulated vehicle drivers, who was caught up in the barricade while coming from Bauchi, said it happened due to an accident on the Minna-Bida road.
He appealed for consideration, adding that Minna-Bida road was the only motorable road now as that of Bida-Agaie-Lapai-Lambata and Tegina-Birnin Gwari roads were in bad condition, couple with banditry and kidnappers along the route.
