The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has issued a strong warning to motorists—including drivers of security and government vehicles—against driving against traffic on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, stressing that violators will be penalised as repair works commence on the Kara Bridge section of the road.
The Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kehinde Hamzat, issued the warning on Monday while addressing the severe traffic congestion currently affecting the corridor.
Responding to reports that some security and government vehicles were flouting traffic restrictions by driving one-way, Hamzat described the practice as unacceptable and a clear abuse of office.
“It is wrong. In many cases, we take their details. For instance, I saw one such vehicle at the Opic turning, and we have taken the details and will report appropriately,” he said.
According to Hamzat, disciplinary measures imposed by the affected agencies are often more severe than FRSC sanctions.
“The penalties given by their management are usually heavier because it stains both the agency and the individual involved. It is an abuse of office and should not happen,” he added.
The warning comes amid heavy traffic congestion caused by ongoing repair works on the Kara Bridge. The FRSC had earlier announced that repairs on the route would last for at least two months.
The Corps explained that damaged portions of the bridge had led to several crashes, particularly as motorists attempted to evade oncoming traffic. To speed up the project, two expansion joints are being repaired simultaneously using faster-curing materials.
The FRSC also identified overloading as a major contributor to road deterioration, noting that weighbridges would be deployed to curb the practice. Repair works are currently ongoing on both sides of the Kara Bridge.
Hamzat reiterated that driving against traffic would attract strict sanctions and appealed to motorists to exercise patience during the temporary disruption in the interest of safety.
Providing an update on traffic control measures, the sector commander said strategic deployments had been made along the corridor to block all illegal entry points.
“We have carried out strategic deployments along the route. No one is allowed to drive against traffic. From Warewa, where people usually try to access the long bridge, we have stopped them,” he said.
He commended the joint efforts of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the FRSC in enforcing compliance.
“People coming into Lagos will experience some delays because of the construction backlog. However, controlled movement is better than blocking both sides of the road,” Hamzat explained.
He warned that allowing one-way driving at critical points such as the Opic turning could trigger a total gridlock affecting both directions of the expressway.
“At the moment, traffic moving from Lagos towards Ibadan is flowing freely, while inbound traffic into Lagos has some backlog, which is expected. What we need is discipline,” he said.
Hamzat disclosed that several motorists caught driving against traffic had already been arrested.
“Some offenders have been apprehended and will either be fined or arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he stated.
On enforcement duration, the sector commander said FRSC personnel would remain on duty throughout the repair period, working in shifts and in collaboration with other security agencies.
“As long as this project continues, our personnel will remain on ground to ensure compliance and safety,” Hamzat assured.
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