Nigeria: Kogi battles massive Lokoja‑Abuja gridlock

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Abuja‑Lokoja Road has been snarled in a huge traffic jam since Friday evening, leaving commuters stranded for hours and even overnight. The Kogi State government, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the military, police and other security forces have been working round‑the‑clock to clear the bottleneck.

From Murtala Mohammed Bridge through Koton Karfe to Ozi community near Gegu, officials have been stationed to control traffic and remove obstructions. FRSC Kogi Sector Commander Tenimu Etuku confirmed that four overturned articulated vehicles were hauled off the highway, yet the congestion persisted because impatient motorists and truck drivers kept blocking lanes. “Drivers are the problem,” Etuku said. “Truck drivers can deliberately block the highway on the slightest provocation, not minding the consequences, particularly on travellers and other motorists.” Two fresh incidents occurred on Sunday even after a Saturday night clearance.

Kogi State Security Adviser Retired Commodore Jerry Omodara called the situation “very unfortunate” and “uncalled for” at such a critical festive season. He noted that key sections of the road had been identified and repaired to enable smoother movement. The state is coordinating with FRSC, military, police and other agencies to guarantee safe and seamless travel for commuters heading south or north for Christmas and New Year celebrations. He added that repeated assurances from the Federal Ministry of Works that traffic would not be an obstacle had proved hollow as construction‑related disruptions worsened the jam.

Omodara assured travellers that efforts would culminate in freeing the highway and other Kogi roads by Monday, restoring normal traffic flow on the expressway. The FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide also confirmed that additional officers and tow trucks were deployed to speed up removal of obstacles, urging drivers to cooperate with personnel for smooth traffic flow.