Stakeholders in Anambra’s road transport sector have urged the dismantling of static checkpoints on the Enugu-Onitsha highway to prevent frequent road collapses.
The call was made at a one-day summit on “Traffic and Security Management on Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriage Way” in Awka on Tuesday.
The event was organized by the Anambra State Government in partnership with MTN/CCGE/CLI.
Participants included representatives from the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Navy, Fire Service, Ministry of Works, and the construction industry.
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Dr. Reginald Facah, a consultant to MTN, stated that static checkpoints should be replaced with mobile patrols, where errant drivers are flagged off the road for proper checks.
He explained that the road bears the heaviest traffic, the highest crash rate, and the greatest security risks in the Southeast.
“Conventional traffic and security management approaches on this stretch have failed, and commuters are suffering due to the damage,” he said.
“Our goal is to reduce travel time to one hour and ensure free movement throughout the year,” he added.
Mr. Emeka Okpara, Federal Controller of Works in Anambra, said his office had notified the Naval Authority to remove roadblocks that interfere with engineering work.
He commended the state government’s support and assured ongoing professionalism in their operations.
Okpara criticized the construction of speed bumps on highways, calling them dangerous and unnecessary on roads designed for 120 km/h.
“Roundabouts and U-turns are created based on necessity, not emotion,” he noted.
The Commissioner for Transport, Chief Obiefuna Ibuzo, said the state was ready to collaborate with other transport industry players for safer roads.
Ibuzo acknowledged the security agencies’ past efforts but emphasized the need to review their presence on the highway.
In his opening remarks, Ms. Chiamaka Nnake, Secretary to the Anambra Government, highlighted the importance of the forum, given the state’s unique traffic challenges due to rapid urbanization, commercial activity, and an influx of heavy vehicles.
Nnake explained that gridlock causes delays in emergency response, raises accident risks, facilitates crime, increases business costs, frustrates commuters, and reduces travel efficiency.
“We appreciate your dedication to tackling traffic and security challenges on Anambra roads, especially the Enugu–Onitsha highway.
“The Soludo administration’s commitment to easing traffic bottlenecks is evident through completed and ongoing road dualization projects.
“Together, we can improve traffic management and road security across Anambra,” she concluded.
