Bad roads stretch Katsina-Lagos-Rivers trips to three days as Charanchi market drivers lament

Truck drivers from Katsina State have lamented about the increasing difficulties of long-distance driving in Nigeria. They blame poor road conditions for journeys that now take up to three days from Katsina to Lagos and Rivers States.

During a trip by our correspondent in Katsina to the town on Sunday, many drivers from the area noted that the worsening state of major highways across the country has slowed transportation, raised operational costs, and exposed them to security risks along the routes.

Charanchi town is well-known for its popular Sunday market. For decades, the market has been a key commercial hub in Katsina State and surrounding areas. It developed as a gathering spot for farmers, traders, and transporters who exchanged agricultural products, livestock, and other goods.

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Over time, the market became a centre for truck drivers from Katsina, who rely on the weekly trading activity to secure transport contracts and deliver goods to southern parts of the country. Many drivers believe the market has been crucial in helping them become economically independent.

Speaking to our correspondent at the market, commercial driver Abdullahi said poor road networks have greatly impacted transportation speed.

According to him, “Years ago, traveling from Katsina to Lagos could take less than 24 hours if everything went smoothly. But now, because many sections of the road are damaged, we sometimes spend up to three days before reaching Lagos.

“But, I always thank God for the safety because in all these struggles from the bad road conditions for over 10 years of traveling through the route, I never for once encountered problems such as robbery or accidents. I started when I was about 17 years old. Over time I learnt how to be patient with the road. If not I would have quit driving but today, I was able to marry and build a house for it. I also have two young people who are working for me which I will say I’m contributing to the employment of the country”, he explained.

Another driver, Mallam Usman who often transports goods to Rivers State, called the experience exhausting and costly.

“The journey to Rivers State and Port-Harcourt to be precise is even more difficult. We deal with bad roads, traffic delays, and sometimes vehicle breakdowns because of the highways’ conditions. By the time we arrive, we have spent more money on fuel and repairs”, he explained.

Lawal mentioned that the Charanchi Sunday market has long created economic opportunities for many young men in the area.

“This market has helped many of us become self-reliant. Every Sunday, traders come with goods, and we negotiate transportation to different parts of the country. It has been like this for many years,” he said.

Traders at the market also shared concerns that delays in transportation affect business operations, especially the movement of perishable agricultural products.

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Ibrahim Mustapha, a grains merchant whose goods were being loaded at the time of trip in Lawal’s truck, said long journeys often result in losses for traders. “When a trip that should take one day now takes three days, it affects the quality of some goods and raises transportation costs. In the end, both traders and consumers suffer”.

Stakeholders in the area have called on the Federal Government to make the rehabilitation of major highways that connect northern and southern Nigeria a priority. They believe this would ease transportation difficulties and support economic activities.

They pointed out that improving road infrastructure would significantly cut travel time, improve safety for drivers, and enhance trade between regions.