Niger govt closes state roads against articulated vehicles

By Our Correspondent in Minna

Niger State Government has closed down the state-owned; Minna-Bida, Lapai-Paiko, Chanchaga bridge-Maikunkele, Muye-Lapai, and Zungeru-Wushishi roads, to articulated vehicles due to the deplorable condition of the roads caused by heavy duty vehicular movement.

Closing down the roads to articulated vehicles indefinitely, according to press statement signed by, Mary Noel-Berje, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abubarkar Sani Bello was to allow for speedy repairs and reconstruction of the affected roads.

The Reporters,an online publication, reports that the Minna-Bida road,especially has witnessed incessant breakdown of articulated vehicles and causing untold hardship not only to commuters but also rural communities along the route who can no longer transport their farm produce to towns and cities.

Niger state government assured that the restriction of articulated vehicles along state-owned roads would be effective as several meetings by critical stakeholders had been held and had indicated support to the state government’s decision closing the roads.

“Consequently, Niger State Government warns that any articulated vehicle caught plying the closed state roads will be dealt with, because government took time to embark on publicity ahead of the closure.

“Government, however, enjoined the citizens to show some level of commitment and understanding as it is not unaware of the inconveniences the restriction of articulated vehicles movement will cause but it is for the overall interest of the government and people of Niger state,”Noel-Berje said.