Kwara bans commercial vehicles, trucks on govt house road

Kwara State Government has restricted some vehicle categories from using Ahmadu Bello Way, GRA, Ilorin, the state capital.

This restriction notice was issued on Friday by the state Ministry of Works and Transport with a directive to Kwara State Traffic Management Agency to commence enforcement with immediate effect.

Some of the banned vehicles on the road included tricycles, popularly known as Keke Napep, commercial motorcycles known as okada, taxi cabs, trucks and heavy-duty vehicles.

The statement by the state commissioner of Works and Transport, Abdulquawiy Olododo, said that violators of the restriction orders would be liable to pay a fine of up to N50,000.

Ahmadu Bello Way, which has been one of the newly rehabilitated roads by the government, serves as an alternate road taken by commercial vehicles to Tanke, Fate and River Basin areas in Ilorin Metropolis.

In giving the public notice, the Ministry said that it had commenced the erection of restriction signages at some designated spots from Challenge through Ahmadu Bello Way.

According to the statement made by the commissioner, “Ahmadu Bello Way is the road network that links to Government House. As such, the signage will be mounted along this axis to restrict access by Motorcycles, Tricycles, commercial vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles of certain categories.”

While informing the members of the public of the readiness to enforce this government’s directive, the acting Chief Executive Officer, KWARTMA, Engr. Bamidele Michael affirmed that the move is to complement the existing “No Parking” signs on our roads and also to enhance safety and security.

Olododo further added that “traders should desist from carrying out trading activities on the Walkways which were made for pedestrians particularly in some area including Ojaoba, Gambari, Ita-Amodu, Agaka, Adifa, Gambari, Balogun Fulani, Emir’s Road, Post Office to Challenge and Muritala Mohammed way among many others, while taking into cognizance the dangers associated with road encroachment.”

The commissioner also warned that driving against traffic (one-way) is on the rise, and hence, any driver found culpable of this dangerous act will be sanctioned according to the law.

“Unlike the “No Parking” sign, the restriction “NOT ALLOWED” sign along Ahmadu Bello way bears a stiffer fine of #50,000 for violation of the order, and other measures shall be employed to ensure compliance,” the statement said.

Olododo, however, advised members of the public to cooperate with the State Government to achieve a safer road meant for the betterment of all.