Taraba Road Crisis Sparks Renewed Calls for Government Intervention

A group of campaigners who recently launched the #FixGembuRoad campaign has reiterated its call for urgent government intervention in the reconstruction of the Bali–Serti–Gembu road in Taraba State, Nigeria. Led by Mr. Joel David Yaji and co‑convener Hassan Alhaji Audu Mamnga, the campaigners expressed frustration over the slow progress of the N95.2 billion road project, which was awarded to SCC Nigeria Limited under the Federal Government’s NNPC Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

According to the campaign team, the road’s deplorable condition has dramatically increased travel time, turning the 374‑kilometre journey from Jalingo to Gembu into a two‑day ordeal. This delay has devastated the local economy, disrupted education and made healthcare services nearly inaccessible. The road is a critical lifeline for the people of the Mambilla Plateau, connecting families, enabling business, and supporting education and health care.

The campaigners are calling for increased accountability and oversight from elected representatives and government officials. They have urged the senator representing Taraba Central to sponsor motions and engage Senate committees to ensure adequate budgetary attention and oversight for the project. Likewise, they have asked the member representing the Sardauna, Gashaka and Kurmi Federal Constituency to raise the issue in the House of Representatives and liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works.

The team highlighted the economic and developmental potential of the Mambilla Plateau, which is rich in tourism, agriculture and cross‑border trade opportunities. However, they argue that these opportunities cannot be realized without reliable road infrastructure. Consequently, they have appealed to the Minister of Regional Development and Taraba’s representative in the Federal Executive Council to push for executive‑level intervention to fast‑track the project’s completion.

The #FixGembuRoad campaign has drawn attention to the plight of the Mambilla Plateau’s residents, who struggle to access basic services because of the road’s poor state. With the campaign gaining momentum, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to the calls for urgent intervention and provide the necessary support to complete the reconstruction, a project critical to unlocking the region’s economic potential and improving the lives of its inhabitants.