By Ibironke Ariyo
In a decisive move to combat the rising number of road accidents, the Kogi State Government has announced a ban on the daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles within the state.
The directive was confirmed on Monday by Dr. Yusuf Suberu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Road Safety Matters, during a press briefing in Abuja.
According to Dr. Suberu, the decision follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the transport sector, security agencies, and road safety experts. The policy aims to drastically reduce road crashes caused by articulated vehicles, which have become increasingly frequent across major routes in the state.
Effective immediately, all categories of heavy-duty vehicles are restricted to operate only between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. within Kogi State,” he stated.
The regulation was prompted by a **recent multi-vehicle accident** involving several heavy-duty trucks, which resulted in multiple fatalities and severe injuries. Dr. Suberu described the ban as a **strategic safety intervention** meant to protect lives and prevent further tragedies.
“This is not just a policy decision — it’s a life-saving measure. The well-being of Kogi residents is our top priority,” he emphasized.
Kogi State sits at a strategic junction that connects northern and southern Nigeria, making it ahigh-traffic zone for fuel tankers, trailers, and long-haul trucks. Over the years, this has contributed to road congestion, rapid deterioration of highways, and an alarming rate of accidents
Dr. Suberu pointed out that the regulation aligns with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, which seeks to reduce traffic-related deaths by 50% before 2030
“Kogi is embracing global best practices. We are choosing safety, human life, and sustainability over convenience and profit,” he noted.
To ensure compliance, law enforcement agencies have been directed to monitor and enforce the new operational timeframe. All stakeholders in the transport and logistics industries — including NARTO, NUPENG, RTEAN, and independent drivers — are expected to cooperate and sensitize their members.
“Every transport union must activate internal compliance mechanisms. This is a collective mission to make our roads safer,” Suberu stressed.
The Kogi government will roll out statewide awareness campaigns across all Local Government Areas to educate the public and road users about the new policy. Priority attention will be given to accident-prone zones like Ganaja Junction, Zango, Felele, and Itobe
“Public awareness is key. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone must be involved,” he said.
This latest restriction is part of a comprehensive road safety reform strategy under the current administration. Other initiatives include:
Improved road signage and markings, Enhanced coordination among traffic management agencies Road rehabilitation and maintenance Driver retraining and re-certification programs
Dr. Suberu concluded by reaffirming the state’s commitment to building a safe, modern, and efficient transport system where every journey begins and ends without loss.
Kogi must not remain a danger zone. Our vision is a road network where lives are protected, and transport is orderly. We owe this to our people.”
