By Abel Zwańke, Lafia
In Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, residents of Lafia North are voicing frustration over the widening gap in infrastructure development between their area and the more developed Lafia Central. While Lafia Central boasts modern infrastructure and well-paved roads, neighborhoods in Lafia North, such as Bukan Sidi, Ombi 1, and Ombi 2, struggle with eroding roads and lack of basic amenities.
In these neighborhoods, residents feel left behind despite their contributions to the state economy and community life. Abubakar Bala, a local business owner in Bukan Sidi, expressed his frustration, saying, “Our community contributes to the state like any other, yet our basic needs are overlooked. Development should be for all.”
Bukan Sidi, a predominantly Eggon community, remains disconnected from Lafia’s main hubs. Roads stop just short of its border with the affluent Millionaires Quarters, making access to Lafia’s commercial and administrative centers difficult. Hauwa Usman, a mother of three, lamented, “It’s tiring to feel like we’re begging for something as basic as good roads. We’re asking for roads, not luxury.”
For many residents, the neglect feels political. They speculate that the community’s political aspirations, particularly their desire to see an Eggon native in governorship, may be a factor in the limited infrastructure investment. Former Governor Tanko Al-Makura’s administration had made strides toward infrastructure development in Bukan Sidi, implementing a robust drainage system to alleviate flooding. However, many of his promises for road projects in the area have not been fulfilled under the current administration.
Adams Adamu, a community leader, recalled Al-Makura’s vision, which included connecting major areas like Massalacin Jumma’a mosque and Meseda Hotel with roads that would integrate Bukan Sidi. “There was so much promise, but those dreams seem to have been abandoned,” Adamu remarked.
The challenges extend beyond Bukan Sidi to Ombi 1 and Ombi 2. In Ombi 1, the long-awaited construction of Transformer Street, which was meant to connect Kwandere International Market to Lafia’s northern neighborhoods, has yet to begin. Similarly, Ombi 2 faces worsening erosion issues that have made existing roads impassable, with some residents forced to take lengthy detours.
The residents are calling on political leaders, including Hon. Ogoshi Onawo, senator representing Nasarawa South, to address these concerns and ensure Lafia North receives its fair share of investment.
In a recent session with the Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Peter Ahember, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, responded to questions regarding perceived neglect in Lafia North. He reassured residents of the government’s commitment to equitable development across Nasarawa State, saying, “Government is a continuous process, and everything is part of the budgeting cycle. I can assure the people that Governor Abdullahi Sule is considering road projects that will connect all parts of the city.”
Refuting claims of ethnic bias, Ahember added, “It is completely untrue that there is any neglect based on ethnicity. Governor Sule is committed to developing all areas in terms of infrastructure. Development should and will serve all residents equally.”
He urged residents to remain patient, highlighting the Lafia flyover and underpass as examples of the governor’s vision for a connected, modern Lafia. “The flyover underpass is a legacy project driven by the governor’s vision for Lafia’s future,” he stated, underscoring a broader plan to integrate the state’s road network.
As Lafia Central’s infrastructure continues to expand, residents of Lafia North hope that their calls for development will not go unanswered, and that they too will soon be part of the city’s growth story. For now, Bukan Sidi, Ombi 1, and Ombi 2 remain neighborhoods advocating for the same roads, bridges, and opportunities enjoyed just a few kilometers away.
