Relief for motorists as road expansion eases Nyanya–Mararaba gridlock

Motorists and commuters plying the ever-busy Nyanya–Mararaba corridor have expressed relief following noticeable improvement in traffic flow, attributing the development to ongoing road expansion works along the axis. The corridor, which links several FCT satellite towns to the city centre, has for years been notorious for crippling gridlock, especially during peak hours. However, residents say […]

Motorists and commuters plying the ever-busy Nyanya–Mararaba corridor have expressed relief following noticeable improvement in traffic flow, attributing the development to ongoing road expansion works along the axis.

The corridor, which links several FCT satellite towns to the city centre, has for years been notorious for crippling gridlock, especially during peak hours.

However, residents say the situation has begun to ease, bringing renewed hope to thousands of daily road users.

A commercial driver, Musa Ibrahim, expressed delight over the development, saying he now spends less time in traffic.

“I used to spend over two hours from Nyanya to the city centre every morning, but now it’s getting better. The road expansion is making a big difference.

“If this continues, it will change everything for us. We just want the government to finish what it has started,” he said.

Similarly, a civil servant, Grace Okeke, described the improvement as “a huge relief,” noting that commuting has become less stressful.

“Before now, getting to work was always a nightmare. You leave home very early and still get to the office late. But recently, the traffic has reduced significantly,” she said.

A private school teacher, Ahmed Sule, said the reduced congestion has improved punctuality among workers and students.

“I leave home later than before and still get to work on time. Even my pupils now arrive earlier because their parents are no longer stuck in traffic for hours,” he said.

Commercial transport operators also confirmed that the development is improving turnaround time and reducing fuel consumption.

“We can now make more trips in a day,” said Sani Abdullahi, a bus driver. “Before, you would just be stuck in one place for hours, wasting fuel. Now, movement is smoother.”

Another driver, John Eze, said the development has also reduced the daily stress associated with the route.

“Driving on this road used to be frustrating. Sometimes you spend more time on the road than at work. But now, at least there is some relief,” he said.

Traders and business owners along the route said the reduced congestion is also positively impacting economic activities.

A food vendor, Hauwa Mohammed, said the improved traffic flow has increased patronage.

“People now stop to buy food because they are not in a hurry to escape traffic. Before, everyone just wanted to get out of the gridlock,” she said. Motorcyclists also noted changes in their operations, though with mixed feelings.

“For us, traffic used to mean more customers because people needed quick alternatives. But now, fewer people use bikes, though it is safer and less stressful,” said Bala Yusuf, an okada rider.

Commuters also shared similar sentiments, saying the development has reduced fatigue and improved their daily routine.

“I get home earlier now and have more time to rest. Before, you would be completely exhausted after spending hours in traffic,” said a banker, Esther Adeyemi.

Another commuter, Chinedu Nwankwo, urged the authorities to sustain the pace of work and ensure timely completion of the project.

“We are happy with what we are seeing, but the work should not stop halfway. The government should make sure everything is completed on time,” he said. Some residents also called for complementary measures such as better traffic management, enforcement of road rules and expansion of public transport options to sustain the gains.

A community leader in Nyanya, Danladi Abubakar, said while the road expansion is commendable, authorities must also address indiscriminate parking and roadside trading.