Yuletide: Kogi govt moves to prevent gridlock on Lokoja–Abuja road

The Kogi State Government has commenced early interventions to prevent traffic congestion on the Lokoja–Abuja highway ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities. Governor Usman Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara, led a delegation comprising security chiefs, officials of the federal and state ministries of works, and the Kogi […]

The Kogi State Government has commenced early interventions to prevent traffic congestion on the Lokoja–Abuja highway ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

Governor Usman Ododo, represented by the State Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara, led a delegation comprising security chiefs, officials of the federal and state ministries of works, and the Kogi Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on an assessment tour of the road on Thursday.

The team inspected problematic sections of the highway and identified areas requiring immediate attention to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the peak travel period.

Omodara said the exercise was approved by the State Executive Council as part of efforts to avert the recurring gridlock associated with the festive season. He noted that easing traffic flow would also help forestall security challenges often triggered by vehicular congestion.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing federal road projects in the state, particularly the Lokoja–Koto–Abaji corridor, describing the quality of work as commendable. He added that the state would work closely with contractors and relevant agencies to create temporary passageways where needed to minimise disruptions.

Representative of the construction firm, Trucrete Solutions Ltd, Engr. Frank Renzo, assured that critical sections of the road would be opened and repaired ahead of the December rush.

FRSC Sector Commander, Tenimu Yusuf Etuku, described Kogi as a major transit hub and said the agency would begin early deployment of personnel to manage the expected surge in vehicular traffic.

Similarly, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Alesan Olumide Ebenezer, said his officers would collaborate with the FRSC to maintain order and support traffic management.

Local government chairmen, security representatives and other stakeholders were also part of the inspection.

The state government said the initiative is aimed at ensuring safe and seamless travel for commuters during the yuletide.