The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reinforced its presence on the Abuja–Lokoja highway with the deployment of additional personnel and tow trucks to tackle the lingering traffic congestion on the route.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Corps’ spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said the directive was issued by the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, in response to the prolonged gridlock and to ensure broken-down vehicles and other obstructions are promptly removed.
“The FRSC Corps Marshal has ordered the deployment of additional officers and tow trucks along the Abuja–Lokoja Road to ease the ongoing traffic gridlock and ensure swift removal of obstructions,” Ogungbemide said.
The FRSC attributed the traffic situation to a surge in vehicular movement linked to the festive season, road construction activities at several sections of the highway, as well as poor driving habits by some motorists.
“The congestion is largely due to increased vehicular movement, ongoing construction points, as well as undisciplined and impatient drivers driving against traffic,” the spokesperson explained.
Motorists were urged to cooperate with FRSC officials on ground and comply with traffic regulations to help restore smooth traffic flow and guarantee safety on the road.
“Motorists travelling along the corridor are advised to cooperate with personnel on duty for smooth traffic flow,” Ogungbemide added.
The intervention comes amid widespread complaints over the severe traffic jam on the Lokoja–Abuja axis, which has left travellers stranded for several days just ahead of Christmas.
The New Daily Prime reported earlier that that the gridlock, now in its third day, has sparked public concern, with some motorists telling the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that they had been trapped on the road since the early hours of Saturday.
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