Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has launched a targeted deployment of additional officers and tow trucks along the Abuja–Lokoja Road in response to severe traffic congestion that has left motorists stranded on one of Nigeria’s busiest travel corridors during the peak festive season.
The action, ordered by FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, comes amid persistent gridlock that has stretched over several days, affecting both passenger vehicles and commercial transport plying the strategic route linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kogi State and beyond. The move is aimed at enhancing traffic management, expediting the removal of obstructions and restoring free flow of traffic for road users.
According to an official statement from the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, the deployment was triggered by a surge in vehicular movements typical of the year-end travel rush, compounded by ongoing construction work at multiple points along the expressway. These factors, Mr Ogungbemide said, have exacerbated congestion and exposed long-standing challenges on the highway relating to driver behaviour and road discipline.
“The deployment of more personnel and towing equipment is aimed at enhancing traffic control, enforcing discipline among motorists, and ensuring that broken-down vehicles or other obstructions are quickly cleared to restore free flow of traffic,” the FRSC statement emphasised. Motorists have been urged to cooperate with the officers on duty and to comply with traffic regulations to facilitate smoother movement and improve overall safety on the corridor.
Heavy gridlock on the Abuja–Lokoja stretch has been widely reported in recent days, with some travellers saying they were stuck for prolonged periods, particularly around traffic pinch points and construction zones. Drivers and passengers have described the delays as particularly challenging for families and commuters heading to home towns and holiday destinations ahead of Christmas and New Year festivities.
The FRSC attributed much of the disruption to a combination of increased traffic volume, ongoing roadworks, and undisciplined driving practices, including motorists attempting to manoeuvre against traffic and ignoring established traffic control measures. Such behaviour, officials noted, not only prolonged the gridlock but also heightened the risk of collisions and secondary incidents on an already strained highway.
The corps’ intervention comes as part of broader efforts to manage holiday travel challenges on major national routes. Across critical corridors, the FRSC has stepped up patrols, deployed additional assets and coordinated with other agencies to mitigate bottlenecks, enforce safety rules and provide timely emergency responses where needed.
In some reports, motorists have attributed the gridlock to specific triggers such as fallen trucks blocking lanes, which created secondary diversions and further slowed traffic flow. Such blockages underscore the importance of quick clearance services — a role the deployed tow trucks and personnel are specifically tasked to fulfil.
The intervention also aligns with the FRSC’s ongoing “Operation Zero Exercise”, a nationwide initiative to reduce road crashes and improve traffic discipline during the end-of-year festivities. Under this operational framework, the corps has reiterated its commitment to stringent enforcement of traffic rules, rapid removal of incidents and support for motorists, aiming to foster safer travel conditions along high-density travel routes like the Abuja–Lokoja corridor.
Traffic management experts say the Abuja–Lokoja highway plays a pivotal role in linking the federal capital with central and southern states, making it a critical artery for economic activity and movement of goods and passengers. However, persistent bottlenecks during peak periods highlight recurring infrastructure and traffic governance challenges that authorities must address through sustained planning and investment.
In parallel with the FRSC’s efforts, the Federal Ministry of Works has also been involved in alleviating the situation. Authorities confirmed that sections of the highway were opened and traffic restored after earlier stand-offs involving truck drivers and security personnel temporarily blocked parts of the expressway, adding to commuter frustrations. Coordination between the ministry, the FRSC and other road agencies played a key role in reopening lanes and improving overall traffic flow.
Motorists have responded with cautious optimism to the deployment, acknowledging that visible traffic management presence and prompt removal of obstructive vehicles can significantly ease journey times and reduce the stress associated with prolonged gridlock. Many travellers have stressed the importance of patience and adherence to traffic laws, particularly as road use intensifies during festive periods.
Road safety advocates note that while tactical deployments and road clearance operations are essential, long-term solutions must include improved road infrastructure, better signage, enhanced driver education and strategic coordination among traffic agencies. Sustainable measures, they argue, will help prevent recurring congestion and reduce the likelihood of accidents on heavily trafficked corridors like Abuja–Lokoja.
The FRSC’s deployment of additional officers and tow trucks is thus both a tactical response to immediate congestion and part of a broader push to institutionalise effective traffic management practices across Nigeria’s major highways. As holiday travel continues, authorities are expected to maintain heightened presence on the roads, urging travellers to respect rules and support the corps’ efforts to ensure safe, efficient journeys for all road users.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments