We won’t open Minna-Bida road – Niger govt to trailer, tanker drivers

The Niger State Government says the continued blockade of Bida-Lambada, Lambada-Izom expressways by drivers of tankers, trucks, and other articulated vehicles would not compel it into opening the Minna-Bida road to them.

It condemned and frowned at the attitude of the drivers for blocking the expressways, causing heavy gridlock and risks to innocent commuters and the people of the communities.

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A statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, made available to reporters in Minna, said the road is state-owned and under reconstruction.

He appealed to owners of the vehicles to talk to their drivers to remove their trucks and tankers from the roads.

“The state government can no longer guarantee their safety because communities affected as a result of the blockade are overstretched and agitated,” he stated.

The SSG warned, ” ….the State Government would not take liability for damaged vehicles or goods as a result of any unfortunate incidence that may arise.

“In the event of any tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploding and spilling the products within the communities, the tanker owners would be held responsible and affected communities will claim damages.”

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According to Matane, “the State Government had for more than three days engaged and dialogued with the articulated vehicle drivers and leadership of their unions to clear the roads and allow motorists to carry out their legitimate activities, but such efforts have not yielded any positive results.”

The State Government then regretted any inconveniences and untold hardship the blockade of the roads might have caused to innocent citizens and called for understanding and support of the general public in these trying moments.