Again, travellers stranded on Abuja-Kaduna highway

AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readA major traffic gridlock on the Kaduna-Abuja highway caused by broken-down trucks left hundreds of travellers stranded for several hours on Monday. The incident highlights the persistent vulnerability of this critical transport corridor due to ongoing construction and heavy-duty vehicle obstructions.
Context & Background
- ✦The Kaduna-Abuja highway is a vital transport link for the Federal Capital Territory and the North-West, frequently suffering from congestion due to construction and poor driving habits.
- ✦Ongoing road reconstruction has narrowed the highway, creating bottlenecks where even minor vehicle breakdowns result in total traffic standstills.
Key Figures & Named Entities
•Andrew Paul Longkam, FRSC Sector Commander, confirmed the removal of two trucks and noted that construction limits traffic to one lane.•Munkaila Sulaiman, a retired road safety officer, advocated for a comprehensive traffic management strategy and movement restrictions for articulated vehicles.
Outlook & Next Steps
Motorists are increasingly seeking alternative routes like the Kachia-Bwari road, while experts continue to pressure the Federal Ministry of Works to review contractor performance and enforce completion deadlines.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- A major traffic gridlock occurred on the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday due to three broken-down trucks on the Rijana Bridge, leaving motorists stranded for up to eight hours.
- The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) attributed the severity of the congestion to ongoing road construction that limits traffic to one lane, combined with high vehicle volume.
- Road safety experts are calling for the restriction of articulated vehicle movement during peak hours and an urgent review of construction management to prevent recurring bottlenecks.
Key Facts:January 4, 2026: Motorists experienced significant congestion between Greenville and Obasanjo Farm following the holiday season.May 24-26: Thousands of travellers were stranded along the Jere, Katari, and Azara axis during the Eid-el-Kabir travel rush.
Editorial Excerpt
By Mohammed Ibrahim Yaba, Kaduna & Salim Umar Ibrahim, Kano Three broken-down trucks on Rijana Bridge on Monday caused a major traffic gridlock on...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What were the primary causes of the traffic gridlock on the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday?
The gridlock was caused by three broken-down trucks on the Rijana Bridge, compounded by ongoing road construction that restricted traffic to a single lane and high vehicle volume.
What solutions have been proposed to address the recurring traffic issues on this highway?
Experts suggest restricting the movement of articulated vehicles during peak periods, establishing emergency response stations, accelerating road reconstruction, and ensuring contractors provide safe, well-marked diversions.