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Kogi bans daytime movement of heavy-duty vehicles to curb road accidents

The Kogi government has banned the movement of heavy-duty vehicles during the day to curb the high rate of road accidents in the state.

A statement on Monday by Yusuf Suberu, senior special assistant to the governor on road safety matters, said the decision followed consultations with transport stakeholders, law enforcement agencies, and road safety experts in the state.

Suberu said the move is aimed at addressing the frequent road crashes involving articulated vehicles in Kogi.

“According to the new regulation, these categories of vehicles are now permitted to operate only between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. within the state,” the statement reads.

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“The decision comes on the heels of a recent tragic road crash involving multiple heavy-duty vehicles, which claimed several lives and left many others with life-threatening injuries.

“This regulation is a necessary response to the devastating incidents we have witnessed. It is a strategic measure to reduce road crashes and save lives. The safety of Kogi citizens is paramount.”

Suberu said Kogi experiences heavy traffic daily from long-distance trailers and tankers carrying fuel, goods, and raw materials due to its position as a key north-south transit corridor.

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He noted that the new law is not only a preventive safety measure but also part of Kogi’s alignment with the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety and Injury Prevention, which targets a 50 percent reduction in road traffic deaths by 2030.

The governor’s aide assured that awareness campaigns would be carried out across all LGAs to educate road users about the regulation.

“This has, over the years, contributed to congestion, road deterioration, and frequent accidents,” he said.

“This is in line with global best practices. We must adopt forward-looking solutions that prioritise human life over profit and convenience.

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“We urge all operators of heavy-duty vehicles, including transport companies, logistics firms, independent drivers, and unions, to adhere strictly to the new operational timeframe.

“Enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure full implementation and monitoring of compliance.”

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