Favour Ishember, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration has teamed up with the Federal Road Safety Corps and other partner agencies to roll out a long-term clampdown on traffic infractions across Abuja.
The sweeping operation, announced on Thursday, will target drivers who jump traffic lights, drive against traffic, and commit other road violations in the nation’s capital.
Mandate Secretary of the FCTA Transportation Secretariat, Mr. Chinedum Elechi, revealed the plan during a special joint briefing in Abuja.
According to Elechi, a dedicated taskforce will begin patrols immediately and arrest defaulters, who he warned would face the full brunt of traffic laws.
He said the renewed action became necessary because of growing disregard for road rules, a trend he linked to the expansion of Abuja’s road network under the urban renewal agenda of FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
“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,” Elechi stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the partnership involving the FCT Sector Command of the FRSC, noting that the alliance marks a critical move toward bringing order to the territory’s traffic system.
Elechi added that the combined effort of the FCT Security Department, Traffic Control Department, FRSC and other bodies will help secure a better outlook for traffic management in the city.
He explained that while the administration’s massive urban renewal drive — which includes widening existing roads and building new ones — has boosted movement and connectivity, it has also opened the door for new compliance problems.
“With some drivers taking advantage of the improved road infrastructure to disregard traffic rules and regulations,” he noted.
The key focus areas of the operation, Elechi listed, include ignoring traffic signals and other control devices, plying restricted routes, driving against traffic, and unlawful parking on expressways, at intersections, under flyovers and on zebra crossings.
He cautioned motorists and commercial transporters to stick to approved routes and parking bays.
The Mandate Secretary stressed that the operation will be continuous, and violators will be sanctioned in line with both national and FCT traffic laws.
He added that where necessary, offenders will be subjected to compulsory medical and psychological screening, as stipulated in the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012 and the FCT Road Traffic Regulations.
“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,” Elechi warned.
He clarified that the goal is not to witch-hunt compliant drivers, but to deliver safer roads, smoother traffic flow and protect lives and property.
Also speaking, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Tijjani Iliyasu, voiced concern over rising cases of vehicle overloading, signal violations, route infractions, wrong-way driving and haphazard parking.
Iliyasu said these acts fuel gridlock, block free vehicle movement and put road users’ lives and assets at risk.
He said the situation demands consistent enforcement, public awareness and teamwork among stakeholders.
The FRSC boss disclosed that anyone caught for overloading, jumping lights, route violations or driving against traffic will now undergo mandatory medical and psychological tests before facing prosecution.
He referenced Regulation 176, Sub-regulation 5 of the amended National Road Traffic Regulation 2012, which requires suspected offenders to be examined at a government-approved hospital at their own cost.
“This measure is aimed at curbing reckless driving habits and encouraging responsible road use,” Iliyasu said, adding that it is not meant to harass the public.
He urged drivers to obey traffic lights, road signs and markings, avoid overloading, shun one-way driving and use only approved routes.
He also advised against random parking and called on commuters to use designated motor parks, bus stops and approved pick-up/drop-off points.
Iliyasu further appealed to road users to obey instructions from accredited traffic officers and to show patience, discipline and courtesy, especially during rush hours.
“Always remember that time saved by risking a life is not worth it,” he cautioned.
He assured residents that the FRSC FCT Command will sustain a coordinated strategy involving enforcement, public education, stakeholder engagement, engineering solutions and inter-agency teamwork to boost road safety in Abuja.
“Our message is simple: obey traffic regulations, respect other road users, and make safety a personal responsibility,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director of Security Services at the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, said enforcing traffic laws is vital not just for mobility, but also for bolstering security in the capital. He was represented by the Secretary of the Command and Control Centre, Dr. Peter Olumuji.
Olumuji stated that the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies will back the operation to ensure it is carried out within legal bounds.
“From the security perspective, we also understand that it has its own negative implications when people violate traffic regulations,” he said.
He raised particular concern over commercial tricycle and motorcycle riders who often use unauthorized routes and loading spots.
According to him, traffic violations are also tied to ongoing security threats in the FCT, including “one chance” robberies and other violent crimes.
“There is no way in any city, in any nation, that you talk about better security without having an annexed, short width, a good transportation system. And that is why we are here today,” he said.
Gwary assured residents that security agencies are fully on board to support the FCTA and other enforcement teams as the operation extends to strategic points across the territory.
“We want to assure members of the FCT, the residents of the FCT, that as this enforcement commences, the security agencies too are fully backing them up. The Nigerian Police, the DSS and all relevant security agencies,” he said.
Officials confirmed that the joint enforcement drive will continue across key locations in the FCT as authorities push to cut violations, ease vehicle movement and safeguard lives and property.
For a better society
Follow us across our platforms:
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/championnewsonline/
Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/championnewsonline
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/champion-newspapers-limited/
https://x.com/championnewsng/
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2
