By Emmanuel Oluwakorede
President of Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), Dr. Demiloye Akerejola has called for a permanent solution to the Banda–NATACO gridlock.
Dr. Akerejola, who made the call during a News Briefing on the Persistent Gridlock Along Abuja-Lokoja road, with Special Focus on Banda – NATACO Axis, said until a permanent solution is provided, the State Economy and National Security will be suffocated.
In December last year, thousands of Commuters spent hours and days along the Abuja-Lokoja road due to heavy gridlock as the same was experienced last week causing untold hardship to the people.
This is why the KOCCIMA President is calling for the completion of the road project, saying the gridlock has led to several economic losses, productive hours, Increased cost of transportation, health issues arising from pollution and logistics.
Dr. Akerejola mainatained that the Banda-NATACO gridlock is a national economic and security issue that must be addressed to restore economic growth, productivity, and prosperity.
According to him, the 7km Banda-Lokoja road has become a major choking point, causing severe economic losses, health related issues, insecurity, and infrastructural challenges.
Dr. Akerejola identified reasons for the heavy traffic to include Unregulated heavy-duty vehicular movement, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate traffic management.
He proffered a short, mid and long term solution which include; creation of temporary holding bays for trailers, application of smart traffic systems, and designated trailer camps.
The KOCCIMA President urged the Federal Government to
prioritize the road project and allocation of necessary resources to the FRSC, as well as providing them with modern and right facilities to effectively carry out their traffic control and surveillance.
“We acknowledge efforts by government agencies, however more needs to be done in the area of inter agency collaboration. We call on stakeholders to collaborate and implement these solutions. To the Federal Government, we urge prioritization of this project and allocation of necessary resources to the FRSC, as well as providing them with modern and right infrastructure to effectively carry out their traffic control and surveillance” The KOCCIMA President noted
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