Traffic congestion on the Abuja-Lokoja highway has eased following the intervention of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which opened a second lane to improve traffic flow.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that as of Tuesday morning in Koton-Karfe, motorists experienced a smooth flow of traffic in both directions—Lokoja-Kotonkarfe-Abuja and Abuja-Kotonkarfe-Lokoja.
Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, FRSC Sector Commander in Kogi, confirmed that the gridlock, which began on Sunday, had been resolved through proactive measures.
“We took a proactive step by engaging the Federal Ministry of Works and the construction companies along the route to find urgent solutions. One of the agreements reached was for the contractors to fast-track work and create an alternative road to ease vehicular movement,” Tsukwam said.
He explained that vehicles were diverted to the Lokoja-Abuja lane, which is still under construction, in order to reduce pressure on the main corridor. He credited the success of the intervention to the combined efforts of FRSC operatives mobilised from RS8.3 Kogi Sector Command, RS8.33 Koton-Karfe Unit Command, Corridor 3, as well as military personnel.
The Sector Commander identified lane violations, indiscipline, and impatience by motorists—especially drivers of smaller vehicles—as the major causes of the gridlock.
According to him, more FRSC personnel have now been deployed to the Koton-Karfe axis to ensure visibility, maintain order, and prevent a recurrence.
He appealed to motorists to remain disciplined and exercise patience while driving, noting that the previous gridlock subjected commuters to untold hardship, with many spending between eight and ten hours to travel between Abuja and Lokoja.
NAN recalls that FRSC had earlier expressed frustration over motorists’ impatience, which worsened the traffic jam since Sunday.
