Kaduna intensifies stakeholder sensitisation on western bypass safety

Kaduna intensifies stakeholder sensitisation on western bypass safety

The Kaduna State Government has intensified stakeholder engagement to enhance safety and public awareness on the ongoing reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Western Bypass.

The sensitisation meeting was organised by the Traffic Advisory Committee of the Task Force on Traffic Control along the Western Bypass in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Culture.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki,  represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Iliya Duniya, described the bypass as a strategic road requiring collective commitment from all stakeholders.

Maiyaki said the road reconstruction has progressed over the past three years, accompanied by challenges requiring continuous public engagement and cooperation.

He said the meeting would enlighten residents, road users and stakeholders on government interventions and expectations during the reconstruction period.

The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Radio and Television, Malam Dahiru Ahmed, said the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration on safety along the bypass.

Ahmed said stakeholders remained critical in disseminating information on road construction progress and government measures to reduce accidents.

He said government had introduced traffic management measures that had significantly reduced congestion and improved safety within the construction corridor.

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Ahmed urged stakeholders to sustain awareness campaigns to prevent avoidable crashes and protect lives, businesses and property.

The major contractor, Engr Jonathan Ogboro, representing Dangote Industries, commended the Kaduna State Government and host communities for supporting the project.

Ogboro said construction strategies had been improved to accelerate work and ensure completion before the December deadline.

He said safety remained a top priority through proper diversions, road signs and installation of speed bumps at identified flashpoints.

Ogboro assured residents that quality and timely delivery remained central to the contractor’s commitment.

A Federal Ministry of Works representative, Engr Jibril Jibril, disclosed that streetlights would be installed from the bypass to Kawo and Mando.

He urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, adding that speed bumps would further reduce road crashes.

The National Association of Trailer and Truck Owners (NATO) Kaduna State Chairman, Alhaji Babangida Ja’afar, called for greater public understanding of trailer operations.

Ja’afar cautioned motorists against using mobile phones while driving and advised road users to avoid dangerous manoeuvres before articulated vehicles.

He warned against setting involved trucks ablaze after accidents, urging citizens to allow security agencies to handle emergencies.

He also appealed to traditional leaders to educate residents on safe road usage and trailer movement.

The Federal Road Safety Corps representative, Salisu Isa, attributed most crashes to human errors, including speeding, dangerous overtaking and wrongful parking.

Isa said improved collaboration among security agencies and volunteers had reduced crashes along the bypass.

He advocated sustained public enlightenment through religious institutions, media organisations and community leaders.

The Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority representative, Hajiya Hauwa Uthman, urged road users to support traffic officials and comply with regulations.

She commended stakeholders for promoting safer roads through community participation and awareness.

Representing Operation Fushin Kada of the Nigeria Police Force, ASP Kashim Ibrahim appealed for public cooperation to maintain law and order.

The District Head of Tudun Wada, Alhaji Tahir Mahmud, said communities had requested additional U-turns during consultations with contractors.

Mahmud said the contractors assured residents that more U-turns were already included in the project design.

He noted that about 20 kilometres of the 24 kilometre bypass passed through Tudun Wada, making community cooperation essential.

Mahmud commended the Kaduna State Government for establishing the task force to safeguard lives and property.

Mr Rayyan Hussain, representing Councillor Abdullahi  Malon of Sabon Gari Ward, pledged continued support for the project and stakeholder engagement.

The stakeholders collectively reaffirmed their commitment to safer roads through sustained public awareness, enforcement and cooperation with government and contractors.