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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to urgently rehabilitate the Kano–Kari Highway, which cuts across parts of Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi States, to alleviate the suffering of commuters and boost socio-economic activities in the region.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion jointly sponsored by Hon. Yusuf Shitu Galambi, Hon. Yusuf Rabi’u, Hon. Abdulkarim Kamilu Ado, Hon. Mustapha Tijjani Ghali, Hon. Yakubu Adamu, Hon. Sani Ibrahim Tanko, Hon. Hashim Adamu, and Hon. Aliyu Babba Misau during plenary on Tuesday.
Moving the motion, Hon. Galambi noted that the Kano–Kari Highway, which traverses Wudil, Garko, and Sumaila in Kano State; Takai Local Government Area in Kano State; Birnin Kudu and Gwaram Local Government Areas in Jigawa State; and Shira, Giade, and Misau Local Government Areas in Bauchi State, serves as a vital transportation corridor for northern Nigeria.
He recalled that in 1999, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the total rehabilitation of the highway due to its deteriorating condition, and the contract was subsequently awarded for execution. However, he expressed concern that despite the approval, the road has remained in deplorable condition, causing immense hardship to commuters and adversely affecting trade and agricultural activities.
“The poor state of the road has continued to inhibit the free flow of traffic, discourage economic activities, and pose grave dangers to lives and property,” he said.
Hon. Galambi further observed that the highway plays a strategic role in the movement of goods and people across northern Nigeria, connecting several key towns and markets. He lamented that vibrant weekly markets in the affected communities have dwindled significantly due to the poor state of the road.
He added that many farmers and livestock traders who depend on the route to transport their produce and cattle to markets across the country have suffered huge losses, while the dilapidated state of the highway has also provided opportunities for criminal activities such as robbery and other vices.
The House expressed concern that the continued neglect of the road has hindered revenue generation for both government and private enterprises and urged urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration.
Adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Works to undertake the total rehabilitation of the Kano–Kari Highway. It also called on the Ecological Office of the Federation to address failed portions of the road in Sara, Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
The Committees on Legislative Compliance and Works were mandated to ensure compliance with the resolution.