Obio/Akpor Plans Traffic Agency to Tackle Road Obstructions

By Atlantic Reports

Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State plans to establish a traffic agency to address road obstructions and poor traffic practices that its chairman, Gift Worlu, says are undermining productivity.

Worlu announced the proposal on Monday at the third quarterly meeting of the Obio/Akpor Business and Economic Forum (OBEF), a non-political advocacy platform focused on the area’s development and economic prosperity.

He said the council would strengthen collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and pursue legislation to curb illegal roadblocks.

The proposed agency has not yet been established. Worlu did not announce a commencement date, funding arrangement or details of its enforcement powers.

Unauthorised closures and roadside trading

Worlu criticised street trading that obstructed traffic and the closure of roads for burials and other ceremonies without authorisation.

“Being an indigene does not give anyone the power to trade along the road or block the roads during burials and other events,” he said.

“I have never approved closure of any road for burial or any ceremony since I became chairman, yet some people are still blocking our roads.”

He pledged proactive measures to improve traffic management. However, the account did not explain how the council would coordinate the proposed agency’s responsibilities with existing authorities or address the needs of traders affected by enforcement.

For residents and businesses, the practical test will be whether the measures improve movement and access while ensuring clear rules and accountable enforcement.

Forum seeks stronger economic partnerships

OBEF Board Chairman Igo Weli urged the forum’s newly inaugurated 15-member board to work towards its development objectives.

Weli, who is also Vice-President, Relations and Sustainable Development at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd., described Obio/Akpor as an economically strategic area.

He argued that better management of its opportunities could enable it to compete with Lagos on economic growth and other indicators. The account did not provide comparative data supporting that assessment.

Weli encouraged young people to explore agriculture as a source of income and pledged to strengthen partnerships between Renaissance and OBEF in local content, contracts and skilled employment.

No specific contract commitments, recruitment targets or implementation timelines were announced in the supplied account.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Prof. Okechukwu Onuchuku, also called for closer cooperation between companies and host communities.

He urged business leaders to promote community inclusion, saying such relationships were important to business growth, security and stability.

The meeting linked improved road management with wider economic development. Turning those proposals into results will require clear institutional responsibilities and practical opportunities for residents and local enterprises.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.