The President of Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Demiloye Akerejola has appealed to the Federal Government to give urgent priority to the persistent traffic gridlock along the Banda-Natako axis of the Abuja-Lokoja road project describing it as a major threat to economic activities and national security.
He equally urged government to provide the Federal Road Safety Corps with modern equipment and infrastructure to strengthen traffic control and surveillance.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja, on Wednesday, he said the recurring congestion on the 7-kilometre stretch between Banda and Natako had continued to suffocate businesses and inflict heavy losses on commuters and investors.
According to him, the Chamber’s investigation revealed that the gridlock has resulted in severe economic losses, wasted productive man-hours, rising transportation costs and serious health concerns caused by pollution.
He said the traffic situation had also led to the destruction of perishable goods, increased insecurity, vulnerability to criminal attacks and frequent road accidents.
“The Banda-Natako gridlock remains a critical bottleneck along a major national economic corridor,” Akerejola said, adding that the situation had collectively hindered economic growth and reduced national productivity.
He attributed the persistent traffic congestion to the uncontrolled movement of heavy-duty trucks, poor road infrastructure and inadequate traffic management along the Abuja-Lokoja highway.
Akerejola noted that businesses across Kogi State had continued to bear the burden of the crisis, with many losing valuable business hours while emergency services were often delayed.
He said the Chamber had proposed a number of immediate, medium and long-term solutions to address the challenge.
As a short-term measure, the Chamber called for strict enforcement of traffic regulations, the deployment of more security operatives and the establishment of temporary holding bays for trailers and other articulated vehicles.
The Chamber also recommended that trailer movement be restricted to nighttime while personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police Force should be stationed on the road round the clock.
For the medium term, Akerejola urged the Federal Government to speed up work on the Abuja-Lokoja road project and introduce smart traffic management systems and designated trailer parks.
He further advocated the use of traffic cameras, drone surveillance and helicopters by the Federal Road Safety Corps for real-time monitoring of traffic flow, with regular updates to motorists through national broadcast platforms and social media.
On the long-term solution, the Chamber called for the complete reconstruction of the Abuja-Lokoja road, the construction of bypasses from Banda to Kabba Junction and the development of a national freight movement policy.
Akerejola said such measures would not only reduce congestion but also improve economic growth and regional integration.
While acknowledging the efforts already made by government agencies, he stressed the need for stronger collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
He also urged road users to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities.
“The Banda-Natako gridlock is a national economic and security issue. But with coordinated efforts, we can deliver a permanent solution,” he said.
