Lokoja, June 4, 2026 – Motorists, commuters, and transport operators across Kogi State have raised alarm over the worsening condition of major highways, describing several road sections as unsafe and calling for immediate government intervention.
Findings show that although rehabilitation works have been carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works on parts of the Kabba–Egbe Road between Oyi and Iddo in Yagba East Local Government Area, extensive portions of the route—particularly the Egbe–Ilorin stretch—remain in poor condition.
The survey revealed widespread potholes, failed pavement sections, and erosion-affected areas, all of which have made travel increasingly difficult, especially during the rainy season.
Road users noted that the situation has resulted in longer travel durations, increased vehicle maintenance expenses, and a rise in transport fares across affected routes.
Concerns were also raised about insecurity on some major corridors, with travellers pointing to limited security presence along the Kabba–Egbe axis, particularly at night, making movement more risky.
At the Lokoja Mega Terminal in Felele, transport operators said the Lokoja–Abuja Highway remains in a bad state despite ongoing reconstruction efforts.
They explained that journeys which previously lasted two to three hours now take between four and 12 hours due to traffic congestion and slow progress of roadworks.
Passengers and drivers also reported frequent delays during festive periods, with many travellers stranded for extended hours due to the lack of alternative routes.
Operators along the Lokoja–Ilorin route said the poor condition of the Kabba–Egbe axis has forced them to take longer detours through neighbouring states, significantly increasing fuel costs and overall operating expenses.
Some transporters further linked the road conditions to rising insecurity, including reported cases of kidnapping along deteriorated sections of major highways.
Motorists plying routes such as Lokoja–Auchi–Benin and Lokoja–Naka also complained of similar challenges, citing vehicle breakdowns, worsening insecurity, and increased travel risks due to road damage.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Kogi Road Maintenance Agency (KOGROMA), Yunusa Alhassan, identified several highways in the state that are currently in critical condition.
He listed them as the Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Itobe–Ayingba Road, Ajegu–Idah Road, Lokoja–Shintaku–Dekina–Ayingba corridor, sections of the Lokoja–Kabba Road, and flood-prone parts of the Abuja–Lokoja Highway.
Alhassan attributed road deterioration in the state to factors such as heavy-duty vehicle overloading, poor drainage systems, flooding, erosion, ageing infrastructure, and delayed maintenance interventions.
He stated that the agency is currently undertaking rehabilitation and maintenance works across the three senatorial districts, including asphalt resurfacing, drainage improvement, erosion control, and full road reconstruction projects.
According to him, KOGROMA has also introduced a rainy-season intervention plan involving emergency pothole patching, clearing of blocked drainage channels, culvert repairs, and erosion mitigation efforts.
He emphasised that lasting improvement of the state’s road network would require consistent maintenance, proper drainage management, enforcement of axle-load regulations, and timely rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure.
Alhassan added that road infrastructure remains a key driver of economic and social development, stressing that maintenance must be carried out proactively rather than in response to emergencies.