By joshua 
KOCCIMA Decries Banda–Natako Gridlock, Proposes Short, Medium, Long-Term Solutions
The Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KCCIMA) has called for urgent, coordinated action to end the persistent traffic gridlock along the Abuja–Lokoja road, warning that the Banda–Natako axis has become “a major choking point” hurting the state’s economy and national security.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja, KCCIMA President, Dr. Demiloye Akerejola, said the 7km stretch has triggered severe economic losses, health problems, and security risks due to unregulated heavy-duty vehicular movement, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate traffic management.
“Our investigation reveals harsh realities: loss of productive man-hours, increased transportation costs, deterioration of perishable goods, pollution-related health issues, heightened vulnerability to criminal activities, and frequent accidents during gridlock,” Akerejola said
“Perishable goods rot, appointments are missed, and lives are lost due to delayed emergency responses.”
The Chamber, he noted, speaks for thousands of businesses and entrepreneurs “bearing the brunt” of the gridlock along the major national economic corridor.
KOCCIMA Proposed Roadmap according to Dr. Akerejola outlined a three-phase plan for relief:
He said the short-term measures includes
Strict enforcement of traffic regulations and deployment of security personnel.
– Creation of temporary holding bays for trailers and other articulated vehicles.
– Restricting trailer movement to nighttime, with 24-hour deployment of FRSC and Police personnel.
On the Medium-term, 3–12 months, the Chamber called for accelerated construction work on the Abuja–Lokoja Road. Application of smart traffic systems and designated trailer camps. Use of traffic cameras, drone surveillance, and helicopters by the FRSC for real-time monitoring, with updates through national broadcast and social media to optimize traffic flow.
As Long-term solutions the Chamber advocated Completion of the Abuja–Lokoja Road project. Construction of bypasses from Banda to Kabba junction. A national freight movement policy to ease traffic, boost economic growth, and strengthen regional integration.
While acknowledging efforts by government agencies, the Chamber called for stronger inter-agency collaboration and urged the Federal Government to prioritize the project.
“We urge allocation of necessary resources to the FRSC, as well as modern infrastructure to effectively carry out traffic control and surveillance,” Akerejola said.
He also appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, urging road users to obey traffic rules and respect road signs.
“The Banda–Natako gridlock is a national economic and security issue. But with coordinated efforts, we can deliver a permanent solution,” he concluded. “Let us restore economic growth, productivity, and prosperity to our great state and nation.”