The Edo State Commissioner for Transport, Honourable William Uwuilekhue Idehen, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to transforming the transportation sector, stating that the governor has a clear vision for improving mobility across the state.
Idehen made this known while addressing persistent traffic challenges in parts of Benin metropolis, noting that several areas have been heavily affected by gridlock. He identified locations such as Mission Road, Forestry, Lagos Street, Ramart Park, New Benin, and Akpakpava as hotspots where vehicular movement is often brought to a standstill.
According to the commissioner, the traffic congestion is largely caused by traders who bring trucks into these busy areas to offload goods during peak hours, thereby obstructing the free flow of traffic.
“To address this, we have set up various committees to regulate the movement of goods and ensure that traders do not disrupt traffic, especially in the afternoon,” Idehen said.
He added that the Ministry of Transport has also strengthened collaboration with the Edo State Transport Agency to mitigate recurring gridlock, particularly during business hours and at the close of work.
The commissioner further highlighted the issue of indiscriminate parking and the unregulated picking and dropping of passengers by drivers, describing it as a major contributor to congestion within the city.
As part of efforts to restore order, Idehen disclosed that the government has introduced a policy to regulate where drivers can park, pick up, and drop off passengers. He warned that violators of the new regulations would be prosecuted.
“Any driver who goes against these directives will be taken to the mobile court,” he stated, adding that enforcement committees have been set up under the Ministry of Transport to decongest city centres and monitor roadside trading activities.
He also cautioned drivers against offering bribes to enforcement officials, stressing that offenders should be duly processed through legal channels if found guilty.
“If there are any challenges, drivers should reach out to us. No driver should give money to any committee official. Anyone found wanting will be taken to the mobile court,” Idehen emphasized.
On infrastructure development, the commissioner revealed that the Edo State Government is making significant progress in road construction and rehabilitation.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would soon reposition Edo as a modern urban centre. “Very soon, Edo State will no longer just be known as an ancient city, but as a modern city with improved infrastructure and transportation systems,” he said.