Government Starts Clearing Trucks on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway

To reduce traffic jams and make the roads safer, the Federal Government has started removing heavy-duty trucks parked wrongly on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

The operation began at the Anambra border, going through the 9th Mile area, all the way to Enugu city. The Federal Ministry of Works is leading this effort with help from security and traffic management agencies.

While speaking during the operation, the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Smart Okpi, said this action follows the Minister of Works’ order to clear all heavy-duty trucks blocking traffic on the highway.

Mr Okpi mentioned that the ministry informed all stakeholders through press releases and media announcements before starting the enforcement.

“We are here with the Federal Road Safety Corps to manage traffic, the Enugu State Transport Management Authority with towing vehicles, the Nigeria Police Force to keep order, and the Nigerian Army for extra security,” he said.

The Controller also pointed out that community leaders and business groups joined in this effort, making it easier for everyone to follow the rules.

“So far, people have been complying. You can see that the trucks are already leaving the expressway, making it clearer and safer for road users,” he said.

Mr Okpi noted that this operation will continue. Ministry officials will keep watching the area to stop trucks from parking along the roadside again.

He confirmed that community leaders were asked to report any violations, stating that trucks parked wrongly will be taken to the FRSC yard.

However, the Controller mentioned that not having enough space for impounded vehicles could be a problem if the enforcement gets bigger.

He urged truck drivers to use a nearby private trailer park and the space provided by the local government until designated trailer parks are built in the next phase of the project.

Mohamed Idris, the Chairman of the Gariki Ugwuoba Cattle Market, said the operation is timely and useful.

Mr Idris explained that the market leaders have already informed truck drivers, mechanics, and traders not to park on the roadside.

“We have been working hard to ensure that trucks no longer park along the road. Although we do not have a permanent trailer park, we are using a private facility, which is already full,” he said.

He warned that drivers who ignore this rule are taking a risk and asked the government to create more parking options.

Chimaobi Nwangwu, the Chairman of the Ugwuoba Cattle Market Task Force, said the market leadership got official notice from the ministry a month ago and started informing truck drivers right away.

“We have been telling them every day that there should be no parking on the road, but some drivers are stubborn. Today’s joint operation with the police, the army, and other agencies has made it much easier to enforce the rules,” he said.

Mr Nwangwu is hopeful that this ongoing effort will remove traffic congestion along the expressway.