FG Begins Removal of Roadside Trucks on Enugu-Onitsha Expressway
The Federal Government has commenced the removal of heavy-duty trucks parked along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.
The exercise, which began from the Anambra border through the 9th Mile axis to Enugu metropolis, is being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works in collaboration with security agencies and traffic management authorities.
Speaking during the operation, the Federal Controller of Works in Enugu State, Smart Okpi, said the exercise followed a directive from the Minister of Works to clear all heavy-duty trucks illegally parked along the highway.
Okpi explained that truck operators and other stakeholders had been informed ahead of the exercise through media announcements and public notices.
He said the operation involved the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Enugu State Transport Management Authority (ENTRAM), the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army, with each agency playing a specific role in ensuring the exercise was carried out smoothly.
Community leaders and business groups also joined the operation, which, according to him, has encouraged many truck drivers to comply with the directive.
“So far, compliance has been encouraging. You can already see trucks leaving the roadside, making the expressway safer and easier for motorists,” he said.
Okpi noted that the ministry would continue monitoring the highway to ensure trucks do not return to illegal parking spots.
He added that community leaders had been encouraged to report violations, while any vehicle found obstructing the road would be impounded and taken to the FRSC yard.
However, he acknowledged that finding enough space to keep impounded trucks could become a challenge if the exercise expands.
To address this, he advised truck operators to make use of an existing private trailer park and another temporary parking area provided by the local government until permanent trailer parks are built under a future phase of the project.
The Chairman of the Gariki Ugwuoba Cattle Market, Mohamed Idris, described the enforcement as a welcome development, saying the market leadership had already warned truck drivers, mechanics and traders against parking along the expressway.
He explained that although the market currently relies on a private trailer park, the facility is already overstretched, and he appealed to the government to provide more designated parking spaces.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Ugwuoba Cattle Market Task Force, Chimaobi Nwangwu, said the market had received notice from the ministry about a month ago and immediately began sensitising truck drivers.
According to him, while many drivers complied, a few ignored repeated warnings until the joint enforcement operation began.
Nwangwu expressed confidence that if the operation is sustained, traffic congestion along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway will reduce significantly.
