Kogi, FRSC warn traders, motorists over market traffic congestion woes

By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja

The Kogi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has issued a strong warning to motorists, traders, and commercial operators at the Lokoja International Market over rising traffic congestion within and around the market environment.
The warning was delivered during a joint road safety sensitisation exercise organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Road Safety, in partnership with the FRSC and the Market Task Force in Lokoja.
Speaking during the exercise, Dr. Suberu Yusuf John, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Road Safety, said the intervention became necessary due to the increasing level of disorderly trading, illegal parking, and roadside loading and offloading that continue to obstruct traffic flow in the area.
He explained that the situation around the market had become a major concern to the state government, stressing that the sensitisation exercise was aimed at restoring order, improving road safety, and ensuring free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Dr. Suberu urged truck drivers to stop the practice of offloading goods by the roadside and advised them to make use of designated parking and loading areas provided by the authorities.
He also cautioned shop owners against displaying goods on road shoulders and pedestrian walkways, warning that such practices would no longer be tolerated in the interest of public safety and smooth traffic flow.
“Commercial drivers and tricycle operators must avoid indiscriminate parking and ensure they use approved loading and drop-off points,” he said, adding that enforcement would follow after the awareness campaign.
According to him, the exercise was not only for enforcement but also to educate stakeholders on the dangers of traffic violations, especially during peak market days when congestion is usually at its worst.
He further revealed that a task force would soon be established to oversee traffic management across major commercial areas in the state, in line with resolutions reached during a previous stakeholder meeting held on April 15 at the Government House, Lokoja.
Dr. Suberu added that the sensitisation exercise was a follow-up to those decisions and a preparatory step ahead of full enforcement of traffic regulations in the area.
During the exercise, the team also inspected designated parking spaces within the market, with stakeholders calling for proper demarcation and improved coordination to enhance effectiveness.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi State, Mr. Lawan Lalu-Fagge, alongside market task force officials, supported the campaign, emphasizing the need for sustained compliance with traffic rules.
The joint effort by the Kogi State Government, FRSC, and market stakeholders reflects ongoing efforts to reduce congestion, improve safety, and restore order around one of Lokoja’s busiest commercial hubs.