The Kogi Government and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have warned traders and motorists against traffic congestion within the international market, Lokoja.
Dr Suberu Yusuf-John, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov Ahmed Ododo on Road Safety gave the warning during a joint road safety sensitisation exercise he conducted in collaboration with the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi, Mr Lawan Lalu-Fagge, and the Market Task Force on Wednesday.
The SSA explained that the warning became imperative following traders and drivers’ encroachment on the roadway, causing congestion and obstruction of free flow of traffic around the market.
Yusuf-John said that sensitisation exercise was aimed at improving road safety, reducing traffic congestion, and ensuring free vehicular movement within and around the market environment, which has become a major traffic bottleneck in Lokoja.
He advised motorists to relocate to the designated spaces and parking areas provided for commercial activities.
“Truck drivers who are in the habit of offloading goods by the roadside must discontinue the practice, together with owners of such goods so as not face the wrath of the law.
“Shop owners displaying goods on road shoulders and pedestrian pathways are advised to move them back into their shops in the interest of public safety and free movement.
“This sensitisation exercise is aimed at educating defaulters on the dangers and traffic implications of roadside offloading, especially on market days.
“Therefore, commercial drivers and tricycle operators are hereby equally advised to avoid indiscriminate parking and the picking or dropping of passengers outside approved loading points and designated parks, ” he said.
According to him, the team engaged traders, transport operators, and other stakeholders on the importance of traffic discipline, compliance with road safety regulations, and the need to maintain orderliness within the market vicinity.
He said that based on the stakeholders’ resolutions reached during the April 15 engagement at the Government House, Lokoja, a task force would be established to oversee traffic management activities across the state, particularly around major commercial areas.
He stressed that the exercise served as a follow-up to those resolutions while also creating awareness ahead of the commencement of full traffic management operations scheduled for a later date.
However, parking facilities designated for cars were also inspected by the SSA and the sector commander as part of efforts to strengthen traffic management around the market.
They observed that there would be a need for poles and caution tape for proper demarcation, particularly ahead of full operations on market days within the axis to ensure better traffic coordination by both traders and drivers around the area.
The joint sensitisation exercise underscores the commitment of the Kogi government, FRSC, and market stakeholders towards safeguarding lives, promoting safer road use, and ensuring smooth vehicular movement around the International Market Lokoja.
