For residents of Mararaba, a suburb on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and other travelers, the daily commute has become a source of immense frustration as traffic congestion hits unprecedented levels. This densely populated area is home to numerous civil servants and business owners who work in Abuja, attracted by more affordable housing. It also serves as a key entry point for travelers coming from southern Nigeria into the capital, earning a reputation as one of the region’s busiest corridors, with queues stretching up to 11 kilometers during peak hours.
The situation has deteriorated significantly following the demolition of the old Mararaba Bridge and the ongoing construction of a new twin flyover on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, as reported by DAILY POST. The bridge was removed months ago to make way for a planned overhead structure, leaving those commuting between Keffi and the FCT in an even more precarious position. Many commuters shared their struggles with our correspondent, highlighting how the construction equipment has narrowed the road, forcing thousands into an agonizingly slow crawl with no viable alternative routes.
One motorist, who spent over an hour stuck in traffic, described the ordeal as exasperating. He noted that the jam began immediately after the Sani Abacha Bus Terminal at One Man Village, just before Mararaba, and persisted until the police checkpoint at the boundary between the FCT and Nasarawa State. Another commuter named Sunny lamented the lack of proper traffic management, saying that only a few officers were visible, leaving drivers to navigate the chaotic stretch on their own. Poor lighting in certain sections also raised concerns about potential accidents.
A female commuter, Nkechi Ikechukwu, revealed that she now wakes up at 4 a.m. instead of 5 a.m. to prepare for work, just to avoid the worst of the gridlock. She noted that Mararaba has always been notorious for traffic jams, especially during morning and evening rush hours, but the construction has made it unbearable. Abdul Mustapha urged authorities to improve coordination with construction companies, provide timely updates, and deploy more personnel to manage traffic. He also called on the federal government to expedite the project to ease the suffering of motorists and commuters, stating that it is exhausting to face such heavy traffic after a long day at work.