On July 22, 2026, the Senate has urged the Federal Ministry of Works to urgently initiate the full rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Bauchi–Ningi Federal Highway, highlighting its vital role as a primary transport artery connecting the North-East and North-West geopolitical zones.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Presenting the motion, Senator Ningi explained that the strategic 100-kilometer highway, originally built in the late 1980s, has suffered decades of severe neglect. He noted that extensive pavement failures, deep potholes, and eroded stretches have turned the road into a dangerous hazard, exposing commuters to frequent crashes and security risks.
A journey of about 100 kilometres between Bauchi and Ningi, which previously took about one hour, now takes nearly four hours because of the condition of the road. The severe degradation continues to derail economic activities, inflate transit costs, and disrupt interstate trade.
Senator Abdul Ningi.
Seconding the motion, Senator Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, stressed that routine maintenance can no longer salvage the corridor. He urged the Federal Ministry of Works to completely redesign and award a fresh reconstruction contract for the highway.
Key Legislative Resolutions Adopted:
Emergency Interventions: The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been urged to immediately execute palliative repairs on the most critical sections to ease travel distress pending full reconstruction.
On-the-Spot Assessment: The Senate Committee on Works was mandated to conduct an immediate field assessment, engage key stakeholders including FERMA and submit recommendations to plenary within four weeks.
Infrastructure Priority: Executive agencies are urged to prioritize complete reconstruction in light of the road’s strategic importance to regional agriculture, commerce, and security.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin underscored the broad consensus behind the resolution, noting that restoring the highway to good condition is vital for facilitating the smooth movement of goods and citizens across northern Nigeria.
