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Abuja-Kaduna highway most dangerous route In Africa-Senate

Published

6 years ago

May 8, 2019

The Senate Wednesday labeled the popular Abuja-Kaduna highway the most dangerous in Africa due to the activities of kidnappers and armed bandits operating on the expressway.

The position of the upper chamber may be contrary to the declaration of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu who assured travelers plying the route that the road had been cleared of undesirable elements terrorising travelers on the road.

Senator Shehu Sani had, while contributing to a motion on “Urgent need to increase the number of couches to the Abuja-Kaduna railway line” described Abuja-Kaduna highway as one of the most dangerous in Africa.

Senator James Manager countered that the highway is not one of the most dangerous but the most dangerous road in Africa.

The Delta Central Senator added that it is apparent that only those who wanted to commit suicide would ply the road.

Sani said that the motion should be the saving grace for the rich and poor.

He added that the government should take steps to patronize local manufacturers for the production of couches.

Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah (Kebbi South) on his own noted that what should be done was to increase the frequency of the train service between Abuja and Kaduna.

Na’Allah said that the impression should not be created that Abuja-Kaduna expressway had been abandoned to kidnappers and bandits.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, described the motion as very important.

The Lagos East Senator told his colleagues that he just came back from China, a trip that was necessitated by the pressure on the rail lines.

He said that the Federal Government had paid for 64 couches eight of which will be delivered within eight weeks.

Senator Magnus Abe said that the Senate should take into cognizance the fact the rail lines were built with borrowed funds.

The Rivers South East Senator said that the view of the Nigerian Railway Corporation should be taken into account in relation to fare.

Ndume in his lead debate noted with concern the undue pressure on existing facilities at the Abuja-Kaduna railway line.

Most passengers’ en-route Abuja-Kaduna, he said, have turned to the railway as a safer means of transportation.

Ndume said that he is aware that the surge in the patronage of the rail services may have been attributed to its safety, comfort, convenience and perhaps affordability, which have drawn many commuters following the high risks on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway that is threatened by kidnappers, armed robbers and other kinds of criminals.

The surge, he added, has led to rowdiness during ticket purchase and survival of the fittest for passengers willing to buy tickets across the counters as officials deliberately hoard and sold tickets to the highest bidders.

He observed that the daily schedule for Abuja-Kaduna from Monday to Sunday is: 7am, 2pm and 6pm except for Wednesday with only trips at 7am and 6pm.

Ndume said that he is aware that huge numbers of travelers jostle for ticket sold at N1, 500 after queuing for about two hours to enable them stand for two hours trip.

The Borno south senator who said that every good thing usually face its share of challenges, noted that “what the rail transit (Abuja-Kaduna) is faced with is shortage in the number of available couches which explains the long queues recorded at the stations.

He expressed worry that Nigerians willing to use the rail lie service are now meant to queue up for hours before boarding due to the increased demand.

Ndume prayed the Senate to urge the Federal Government to deploy more couches to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to ameliorate the plight of the passengers as well as urge the Nigerian Railway Corporation to reduce the fare from N1, 500 to N600 to make it affordable to the general public.

At end of the debate the Senate resolved to urge the NRC to review the fare structure in relation to cost.

It also asked the Federal Government to deploy more couches to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line to ameliorate the plight of the passengers

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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