By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has assured motorists of a free flow of traffic on the Lokoja–Abuja highway during the upcoming Yuletide season, following an inspection of critical routes prone to congestion.
State Security Adviser, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara, who led the inspection team on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the visit was aimed at preventing gridlock and ensuring smooth vehicular movement as holiday travel peaks in December.
The multi-agency team comprised security chiefs, officials of the federal and state ministries of works, and the Kogi Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The delegation assessed the condition of the road to identify necessary repairs ahead of the festive rush.
Omodara applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ongoing infrastructural projects in the state, particularly the Lokoja–Koto–Abaji road, which he described as “quality work.”
“After the resolution from the State Executive Council meeting, we embarked on this inspection to ensure the road is stable and comfortable for motorists during Christmas,” he said. “This will help prevent security challenges and complement the good work President Tinubu is doing in Kogi State.”
He added that the state government would work closely with stakeholders to create alternative passages and ease movement despite ongoing Federal Government construction works along major corridors.
Representing the contractor, Trucrete Solutions Ltd, Engineer Frank Renzo thanked the team for the visit and assured that the company would make the highway motorable for the season. He pledged that blocked sections would be reopened and damaged spots repaired before the December traffic surge.
The Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Tenimu Yusuf Etuku, described the state as the “traffic nerve centre” of Nigeria, given the high volume of vehicles expected during the Yuletide.
He said the FRSC, in collaboration with other security agencies, had already initiated measures to clear obstructions and ensure a seamless travel experience. “We will make a massive deployment, and our operations will commence early,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Kogi State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Alesan Olumide Ebenezer, assured that officers would be deployed to support FRSC operations and maintain order throughout the festive period.
