By Sunny Adebija
The Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) has expressed concern over the recurring gridlock along the Banda–Natako axis of the Lokoja–Abuja highway, describing the situation as a threat to national security and economic activities.
President of the Chamber, Doctor. Demiloye Akerejola, made this known in Lokoja while addressing journalists on the recent traffic congestion that reportedly lasted six days.
He noted that the persistent gridlock has resulted in significant economic losses, reduced productivity, rising transportation and logistics costs, as well as health challenges linked to environmental pollution.
Doctor. Akerejola attributed the situation to unregulated movement of heavy-duty vehicles, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate traffic management systems.
He proposed short-term measures including strict enforcement of traffic regulations, deployment of security personnel, and the establishment of temporary holding bays for trailers and other articulated vehicles.
For long-term solutions, he recommended accelerated reconstruction work on the Abuja–Lokoja highway, deployment of smart traffic management systems, creation of designated trailer parks, and construction of bypasses from Banda to Kabba Junction.
He also called for the development of a comprehensive national freight movement policy.
While acknowledging efforts by relevant government agencies to ease traffic flow, Doctor. Akerejola stressed the need for stronger stakeholder engagement and improved inter-agency collaboration in implementing sustainable solutions.
Edited by Ajifa Ainoko
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