FRSC Issues Strict Warning Against One-Way Driving on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
The Federal Road Safety Corps has issued a firm warning to all motorists using the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, specifically prohibiting driving against traffic as rehabilitation works continue on the critical Kara Bridge. The agency has made it clear that any violators will face appropriate penalties, regardless of their social or official status.
Official Statement from Lagos Sector Commander
Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, delivered this important warning on Monday, February 9, during a comprehensive on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing traffic congestion along this vital transportation corridor. His statement came in direct response to numerous complaints about certain security and government vehicles flouting established traffic regulations.
"It is wrong. Many times, we take some of their details. Like I saw one pass when I was at the Opic turning; we've taken the details and we will report appropriately to the man in there," Commander Hamzat stated emphatically, describing such conduct as completely unacceptable.
Internal Disciplinary Measures and Agency Accountability
Hamzat provided significant insight into enforcement procedures, noting that internal disciplinary measures implemented by affected agencies often prove more severe than sanctions imposed directly by the FRSC. "The kind of penalty given by their management is much more than the one we would think we want to give, because it's a stain on the agency and a stain on the person in question. It's an abuse of office, which is not supposed to be," he elaborated.
Traffic Challenges and Rehabilitation Timeline
Traffic congestion has intensified significantly following the commencement of rehabilitation works on the Kara Bridge along this essential expressway. The FRSC previously announced that these necessary repairs would last for a minimum of two months, creating temporary but substantial challenges for commuters.
According to detailed information from the corps, damaged sections of the road had contributed to multiple crashes, particularly as motorists attempted to navigate around oncoming vehicles. To accelerate the repair process, construction teams are working on two expansion joints simultaneously using specialized faster-curing materials.
Additional Factors Affecting Road Conditions
Commander Hamzat also identified vehicle overloading as a significant factor contributing to the road's deterioration, disclosing that weighbridges would be strategically deployed to curb this damaging practice. This multi-faceted approach addresses both immediate traffic violations and longer-term infrastructure preservation.
Strategic Traffic Management Implementation
Providing a comprehensive update on traffic management strategies, the sector commander explained that officers had been strategically deployed along the corridor to prevent motorists from driving one-way. "We have done a strategic deployment along the corridor. If you can see, no one is allowed now to drive against traffic. From Warewa, where people usually try to enter the long bridge, we refuse," he stated clearly.
Acknowledging Commuter Challenges While Emphasizing Discipline
Hamzat acknowledged that motorists heading into Lagos were experiencing noticeable delays due to construction-related backlog but stressed the fundamental importance of maintaining traffic discipline. "Yes, people coming into Lagos will feel some pains because, as a result of the construction, there's a form of backlog. But if it's moving, it will be better than blocking both sides of the road," he explained practically.
The commander issued a specific warning that permitting motorists to drive one-way at critical points such as the Opic turning could completely cripple traffic flow on both sides of the expressway. "As it is now, people going out of Lagos towards Ibadan have free flow. People coming into Lagos have some element of backlog, which is not unexpected. All we need is discipline," he emphasized.
Enforcement Actions and Legal Consequences
Hamzat disclosed that several motorists had already been arrested for traffic violations along the corridor. "We have arrested some people who tried to drive against traffic, and they have been put in places where they may be fined, as well as presented before a court of competent jurisdiction," the sector commander stated definitively.
Continuous Deployment and Inter-Agency Collaboration
Regarding ongoing enforcement efforts, Hamzat confirmed that FRSC personnel would remain deployed throughout the duration of the repair works. "They will be here till evening. Towards evening, traffic flow will be more outward Lagos, so the construction sites would receive less traffic. But our men will always be on ground because we have scheduled them on shifts," he detailed.
The corps commander added that the FRSC is working in close collaboration with other security agencies to ensure comprehensive compliance until the rehabilitation works are successfully completed. This coordinated approach aims to maintain safety and order during this challenging period of infrastructure improvement.
