By joshua 
BANDA–NATACO GRIDLOCK COSTS KOGI BUSINESSES ₦65M DAILY, SAYS KOCCIMA AT INAUGURAL EXCO MEETING.
The Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA) has put a figure to the economic toll of the persistent Abuja–Lokoja road gridlock at Banda–Nataco, estimating daily losses of ₦65 million for businesses and commuters, described it as unacceptable.
The revelation came during KOCCIMA’s first Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, where President of KOCCIMA Dr. Akerejola Demiloye stressed the Chamber’s commitment to protecting businesses and improving productivity in the state.
According to the Abuja–Lokoja (Banda) Gridlock Committee report presented by Abu Micheal, a 12-hour traffic standstill on the route affects about 500 heavy-duty trucks and 1,000 passenger vehicles daily.
The breakdown shows ₦47.5 million lost to truck delays from extra fuel, idle time, and delivery penalties, ₦11.5 million from passenger vehicles, and ₦6 million from spoiled perishable goods.
He said if the gridlock occurs 15 days in a month, the direct monthly loss climbs to ₦975 million, amounting to ₦11.7 billion annually, not including indirect costs like security risks, health impacts, and missed contracts.
Dr. Demiloye said the figures are conservative and actual losses could be higher during festive periods when traffic volume doubles and movement of perishable goods peaks. KOCCIMA added that it is still compiling detailed data from traders and transport unions for a more precise estimate.
The Chamber however adopted the committee’s report and outlined next steps including advocacy visits to relevant government agencies and sustained public sensitization through media engagement. Recalled that a press conference had earlier been held to draw attention to the issue.
Dr. Demiloye reiterated that KOCCIMA will leverage its role as a bridge between businesses and government to push for solutions that safeguard commerce and ease movement along the critical corridor.