Stakeholders in the North-East have raised concerns over the deplorable state of federal roads across Bauchi, Gombe, and Jigawa states, citing increased travel risks and road traffic crashes as significant threats to public safety. 
 
This call for action was echoed by civil society organisations, transport unions, academics, and officials who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a survey on the region’s roads.
 
Many federal highways span these states, connecting them to critical areas within the North-East and neighbouring countries, such as Cameroon and Chad. 
 
However, respondents said that despite high traffic, particularly during festive seasons, these routes remain largely neglected, creating hazardous conditions for commuters.
 
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Mr Moda Ahmed, a civil society activist in Bauchi, described the roads as “death traps” and urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency. “We need urgent intervention to make these roads safe for movement of goods and people,” he said.
 
Similarly, Ismail Babawo, chairman of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Bauchi, lamented the impact on members’ safety. “The government must prioritise road repairs to ensure safe travels,” he stated, expressing concern for the upcoming holiday season.

  Dr Sadiya Iliya, an architecture lecturer at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, linked the issue to inadequate funding, corruption, and poor accountability. She advocated for a holistic approach, stressing the need for sustained maintenance to foster economic growth.    
 
Echoing these sentiments, Garba Jinjiri, chairman of the Bauchi State Network of Civil Society Organisations (BASNEC), attributed the road deterioration to poor design and substandard materials. 
 
Jinjiri further called for community involvement in maintenance efforts, arguing that road upkeep should not rest solely with the government.
 
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Jigawa downplayed concerns, with spokesperson Ibrahim Yahaya describing the state’s roads as “relatively good” and reassuring travellers of safe passage over the festive period. 
 
This view was supported by local cab operator Yusuf Usman, who praised Jigawa’s road network despite acknowledging minor issues.
 
In Gombe, Usman Kallamu, Commissioner for Works, Housing, and Transportation, reported significant progress on the state’s road projects, noting that construction efforts had reached 75 per cent completion across 11 local councils. However, he acknowledged that financial constraints and seasonal rains remain challenges.