Omanews
Moved By Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye, member representing Lokoja-Kogi Federal Constituency.
Wednesday 19th February, 2025
The House:
Note that, Lokoja which is the State Capital of Kogi State borders with over ten (10) States, connecting the Eastern, Western, Southern and Northern regions;
Also note that, the major trunk road accommodates hundreds of vehicles on a daily basis connecting different destinations and in the wisdom of the State Government, under the leadership of the Executive Governor of Kogi State, the international market located along the road has been relocated with commencement of construction in a new and more conducive site, as part of urgent efforts to decongest the road and curtail threat to lives from frequent accidents.
Aware that, Section 14(2b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) affirms the sanctity of the welfare and security of the citizens as a core purpose of government;
Worried that, within 2025 alone, over ten accidents have occurred on the Lokoja/Nataco/ Felele expressway, leading to the avoidable and sad loss of many precious lives, especially students;
Also worried that, these accidents in the said road leave many others sustained various degrees of injuries including incapacitation in significant numbers.
Concerned that, on Monday, 17th of February, 2025, a very tragic accident occurred involving about ten (10) students of the Federal University of Lokoja alongside the driver conveying them as an articulated truck carrying woods rammed into the school shuttle bus conveying students, leading to the loss of their lives;
Also concerned that, along this particular route, many students of Kogi State Polytechnic and residents of Lokoja, neighbouring Felele and immediate communities and travelers have met their untimely death, on a regular basis;
Disturbed that, the tragic accident has become a reoccurring decimal and has put the residents of the area and travellers along the route in perpetual fear;
Also disturbed that, over speeding or reckless driving by truck and tanker drivers has been identified mainly as the cause of repeated accidents leading to loss of lives of people and travelers in the area;
Further disturbed that, if nothing is done to salvage the worrisome situation, it may result in a continued loss of innocent lives on a large scale;
Cognizant of the need that the speedy construction of the by-pass, flyover bridge and expansion of the road is part of measures to curtail further loss of innocent and productive lives on the one-kilometer stretch on the highway and mitigation against future occurrences.
Resolves to:
1. Observe one minute silence in honour of all those who lost their precious lives in the accident.
2. Urge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Works in collaboration with Federal Emergency Road Management Agency ( FERMA ) to expedite the expansion of the road and construct a flyover with complementary pedestrian bridges along the road for use by students and other citizens.
3. Also urge the House to direct the ban and restrict the movement of trailers and trucks within Lokoja and its metropolis to only night operations from 10. pm to 6. am in order to ensure safety and enhance traffic management.
3. Mandate the House Committee on Works, FERMA, Transport and legislative compliance to ensure the implementation of these resolutions and report progress back to the house in two weeks for further legislative actions.
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