Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo has assured that the recurring gridlock along the Lokoja–Abuja highway, particularly the Nataco–Banda axis, will soon become a thing of the past following renewed federal intervention and ongoing road rehabilitation efforts.

Ododo gave the assurance during a meeting with the leadership of the Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) in Lokoja, where he outlined ongoing efforts to address long-standing transportation challenges on the corridor.

He was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Federal Projects Implementation, Emmanuel Obasi, who said the state government had intensified collaboration with the Federal Government to resolve the persistent traffic congestion that has disrupted economic activities along the route.

According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention has led to the restructuring of the project, with the contract split among six construction companies in order to speed up rehabilitation works.

He explained that the decision marked a shift from the previous arrangement where a single contractor handled the entire stretch, noting that the new approach was already yielding visible progress on site.

Obasi said the gridlock had caused severe economic and social losses, especially during peak travel periods, but assured that efforts were underway to ensure lasting solutions.

He added that aside from funding constraints, most other arrangements required to complete the project had been put in place, expressing confidence that the worst-hit sections of the road would be made motorable before the end of the year.

He further stated that the federal government’s commitment to the project had attracted increased attention from the Ministry of Works, including a recent site inspection prompted by concerns raised by the state governor.

KOCCIMA President Akerejola Damiloye welcomed the intervention, describing Ododo as a leader attentive to stakeholder concerns, and pledged the support of the private sector for ongoing development efforts.

Damiloye also submitted a 16-point proposal calling for the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, which he said remains critical to industrial growth, job creation and technological advancement in Nigeria.

Other KOCCIMA leaders urged the government to complete abandoned infrastructure projects, including the Trailer Transit Camp in Banda, the Sea Link initiative aimed at easing highway congestion, and the non-operational Domestic Export Warehouse at Felele.

They argued that activating these facilities would improve revenue generation, create jobs and reduce logistics costs for exporters.

Former chamber leaders also commended the state’s engagement with the business community, noting that sustained dialogue between government and stakeholders would strengthen investor confidence and support economic recovery in Kogi State.

With federal backing, multiple contractors now deployed and renewed advocacy from the private sector, authorities say efforts to resolve the long-standing Lokoja–Abuja highway gridlock are gaining momentum.