From Sani Saleh Chinade, Bauchi
The Public Relations Secretary of the Confederation of Traders Association of Nigeria (North-East chapter), Auwalu Yusuf (popularly known as Auwal Yobe), has raised concerns over the federal government’s failure to repair damaged portions of the Kano-Maiduguri expressway, warning that the neglect could severely impact businesses in the region.
Speaking with our correspondent in Azare, Bauchi State, Auwalu said the government’s continued negligence—especially after last year’s monsoon floods—has left several sections of the highway impassable, particularly in Bauchi State.
“The damage to this road is a major concern for traders. Anyone familiar with the Kano-Maiduguri road knows how critical it is for commerce. Areas like Sabon Gari, just three kilometers from Azare, and another section near Buskuri village to the east, have been flooded since last rainy season and are yet to be fixed,” he said.
Auwalu emphasized that if these portions are not reconstructed before the upcoming rainy season, business activities—especially transportation—will grind to a halt.
He urged the governors of Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, and Taraba states to work collectively to draw the attention of the federal government to the dire state of the expressway.
“If the road is not repaired in time, we are looking at a total disruption of transport and trade. For example, transporting goods from Kano to Borno, which previously cost ₦1 million, now costs ₦1.5 million due to detours through longer routes. This will only get worse,” he warned.
The trader stressed that swift intervention is crucial to avoid further economic hardship across the North-East, especially as the region prepares for another rainy season.