The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a stern warning to motorists plying the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to desist from driving against traffic as rehabilitation works continue on the Kara Bridge, stressing that offenders will face sanctions regardless of their status or affiliation.
The Lagos Sector Commander of the Corps, Kehinde Hamzat, gave the warning on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the worsening traffic congestion along the corridor.
Responding to complaints that some security operatives and government officials were flouting traffic rules, Hamzat described the act as unacceptable and an abuse of office. He revealed that details of such vehicles were being documented for onward reporting to the appropriate authorities.
“It is wrong. Many times, we take their details. I saw one pass at the Opic turning; we have taken the details and will report appropriately,” he said in an interview with Channels Television.
According to the sector commander, internal disciplinary measures within affected agencies are often more severe than FRSC penalties, noting that such misconduct stains both the institution and the individual involved.
Traffic congestion has intensified following the commencement of repair works on the Kara Bridge, which the FRSC earlier said would last at least two months. The Corps noted that damaged portions of the road had contributed to several crashes, especially as motorists attempted to dodge oncoming vehicles.
To hasten completion, two expansion joints on the bridge are being repaired simultaneously using faster-curing materials. Hamzat also blamed overloading by heavy-duty vehicles for the deterioration of the road, disclosing that weighbridges would be deployed to curb the practice.
On traffic control, he said FRSC personnel had been strategically deployed along the expressway to block motorists from driving against traffic. According to him, entry points such as Warewa and the Opic turning are being closely monitored to prevent one-way driving.
While acknowledging delays for motorists heading into Lagos, Hamzat stressed that discipline remains the only way to avoid a total breakdown of traffic flow.
“Yes, people coming into Lagos will feel some pains because of the construction backlog. But moving traffic is better than blocking both sides of the road,” he said.
He warned that allowing one-way driving at critical points could paralyse movement on both sides of the expressway, adding that several offenders had already been arrested and would face fines and prosecution.
The sector commander disclosed that FRSC officers would remain on duty throughout the duration of the repairs, operating in shifts and in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure compliance and safety on the busy corridor.
Hamzat appealed to motorists for patience and cooperation, noting that adherence to traffic rules would ease congestion and reduce the risk of accidents during the rehabilitation period.
