PRESIDENCY ORDERS ACTION TO EASE NIGER TRAFFIC CRISIS, TARGETS ILLEGAL TRUCK PARKING

The Presidency has commenced urgent measures to address the prolonged traffic gridlock along the Bida–Kutigi corridor in Niger State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for immediate action. The intervention is being coordinated by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Transportation and Mobility, Prince Adetokunbo Ademola Ade-John, alongside officials of the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Safety Corps and road transport operators. The move is aimed at restoring normal traffic flow and reducing the hardship faced by motorists, passengers, transport operators and businesses affected by the prolonged obstruction.

Ade-John joined FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo and the National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners, Yusuf Lawal, at a high-level meeting where immediate measures were agreed to improve traffic management and address the causes of the recurring congestion. One of the major pressure points is the Wuya Bridge between Kutigi and Bida, where traffic becomes particularly difficult on Wednesdays because of increased movement associated with the weekly market. FRSC personnel in Bida and Kutigi have continued to deploy on Wednesdays to regulate vehicle movement and reduce the impact of the congestion.

The situation has also become critical along the Bida–Badeggi–Agaie Road and the Maje–Diko Junction axis in front of the Suleja NNPC Depot, where traffic has reportedly been blocked in both directions for about 15 days. The prolonged obstruction has disrupted the movement of passengers, commercial vehicles and goods, causing significant delays for road users and affecting economic activities along the routes. Authorities are therefore working to clear the affected sections while maintaining traffic control measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Ade-John reaffirmed the Presidency’s determination to address transportation bottlenecks that hinder mobility and economic activity, while urging motorists and transport operators to cooperate with traffic officials during the intervention. He appealed for patience as the relevant agencies work to restore free movement and improve road safety along the affected corridors. The FRSC is expected to maintain a strategic presence in the affected areas while the broader intervention by the Presidency and the Works Ministry tackles the underlying causes of the gridlock.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced plans to intensify enforcement against indiscriminate truck parking along the Coastal Road and Deep-Sea Port Access Road corridor in Lagos. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Nigerian Ports Authority, Ade-John warned that trucks found obstructing the strategic routes would be impounded and moved to approved truck parks. He said the government would not allow unauthorised parking to undermine traffic flow, road safety and public investment in the corridor, which serves as an important route for the movement of cargo and other commercial activities.