FG Reopens Sections of Abuja–Lokoja Road, Eases Gridlock

The Federal Government has restored normal traffic flow on the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway following hours of severe congestion caused by a standoff between truck drivers and security personnel.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, announced on Sunday night that completed sections of the highway had been opened to motorists to ease hardship on road users, especially during the festive travel period.

The traffic gridlock followed an incident over the weekend involving truck drivers and military personnel, reportedly triggered by the smashing of a truck’s windscreen. The dispute led to a blockade of parts of the road, leaving motorists stranded for several hours.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed A. Ahmed, the minister directed the immediate opening of all completed portions of the expressway and approved the deployment of necessary measures to restore free movement.

According to the statement, the directive was promptly implemented on Sunday, resulting in significant decongestion of the corridor and improved traffic flow.
Umahi appealed to motorists to remain patient, orderly and cautious, particularly during the peak holiday travel season. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to providing safe, efficient and reliable road transportation across the country.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works in Kogi State, Engr. Patiko Isah, said the ministry’s field headquarters, working with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies, successfully restored free flow of traffic on the highway.

He assured road users that efforts were ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such disruption and ensure smooth movement along the vital transport corridor.