Abuja Road Users Face Crackdown as FCTA, FRSC Partner on Traffic Infractions

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other allied agencies, has initiated a comprehensive enforcement campaign targeting traffic light violations, driving against traffic, and various other road offences across Abuja. This development was revealed on Thursday by Mr. Chinedum Elechi, the Mandate Secretary for the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, during a joint press conference held in Abuja, Nigeria's capital.

Elechi stated that a dedicated task force would commence patrols and apprehend offenders, who would then face the full repercussions of the law. He explained that this enforcement drive became necessary due to a noticeable increase in motorists' disregard for traffic regulations, particularly following the expansion of the FCT's road network as part of the urban renewal agenda spearheaded by the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

The FCTA Secretary expressed profound satisfaction with the collaboration involving the FCT Sector Command of the FRSC and other relevant bodies, hailing it as a significant stride towards restoring order to the territory's traffic management framework. Elechi remarked, “We are extremely happy to have this special collaboration with the Sector Command of the FCT. I think this is the first time that we’re having this kind of collaboration.” He further added that the combined efforts of the FCT Security Department, Traffic Control Department, FRSC, and other agencies would foster a more efficient future for traffic management within Abuja.

According to Elechi, the FCT Administration's extensive urban renewal initiatives, which include expanding existing road infrastructure and constructing new ones, have indeed enhanced mobility and connectivity. However, these improvements have also introduced new challenges in traffic management, with some drivers exploiting the better road conditions to flout traffic rules and regulations.

Key targets for this enforcement operation include disregarding traffic lights and other control devices, route violations, unauthorized use of restricted routes (such as driving against traffic), and illegal parking on major roads, at junctions, under bridges, and on pedestrian crossings. Elechi issued a stern warning to both private motorists and commercial transport operators to adhere strictly to traffic rules, use designated routes, and park only in approved areas.

He emphasized that the exercise would be sustained, assuring that apprehended offenders would be subjected to appropriate penalties as stipulated by relevant national and FCT traffic laws. Elechi also noted that the enforcement would incorporate mandatory medical and psychological evaluations where necessary, aligning with the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and the FCT Road Traffic Regulations. He reiterated, “Offenders will have to face the full weight of the law when they involve in the dangerous exercise of driving against traffic or breaking traffic lights.” However, he clarified that the initiative's primary goal is not to harass law-abiding citizens but to promote safer roads, ensure smoother traffic flow, and safeguard lives and property.

Speaking at the event, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, voiced the command's concern over the escalating incidents of excessive overloading, traffic light violations, route violations, driving against traffic, and indiscriminate parking. Iliyasu highlighted how these offences significantly contribute to traffic congestion, impede vehicle movement, and jeopardize the safety of road users and their assets.

He stressed that addressing this situation demands sustained enforcement efforts, extensive public enlightenment, and robust cooperation among all relevant stakeholders. The FRSC Sector Commander announced that individuals caught for applicable offences, particularly excessive overloading, traffic light violations, and route violations (including driving against traffic), would henceforth undergo mandatory medical and psychological evaluations at their own expense at an approved government hospital before prosecution. He referenced Regulation 176, Sub-regulation 5 of the amended National Road Traffic Regulation 2012 as the legal basis for this measure.

Iliyasu explained that this step aims to curb dangerous driving behaviors and foster responsible road usage, clarifying that it is not intended to intimidate or harass the public. He urged motorists to comply with traffic lights, road signs, and markings; avoid vehicle overloading; refrain from driving against traffic; and utilize only authorized routes. Furthermore, he advised road users to avoid indiscriminate parking and activities that obstruct traffic flow, advocating for the use of designated motor parks, bus stops, and approved loading and dropping points.

The FRSC commander concluded by urging motorists to obey directives from accredited traffic management and enforcement personnel, while also exercising patience, discipline, and courtesy, especially during peak traffic periods.