- The Issue: Removal of speed bumps leads to increased accidents.
- The Protest: RTEAN, NURTW, and local residents demand immediate action.
- The Demand: Reinstallation of speed bumps and long-term safety solutions.
- The Stakes: Lives of commuters and residents on the busy expressway.
‘Stop Killing Us!’ Transporters Block Ilorin-Jebba Highway
Hundreds of angry members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) took to the streets on Wednesday, bringing traffic to a standstill on the ever-busy Ilorin-Jebba Expressway. Their grievance? The sudden removal of speed breakers along the Oko-Olowo section of the road, which they say has turned the highway into a death trap.
Why Remove the Bumps? Contractor’s Controversial Move
According to protesters, a federal contractor working on rehabilitation efforts removed the speed bumps without consulting the public. This decision, they argue, has led to a dramatic spike in fatal road crashes, leaving families devastated and communities in mourning. The protesters carried signs with bold messages like “Stop killing us in Oko-Olowo,” “Reinstall speed breakers now,” and the stark “Our lives matter,” as reported by the Guardian Nigeria. The outrage is palpable.
Union Leaders Speak Out: ‘Our Members Are Dying!’
Alhaji Abdulrahman Onikijipa, the RTEAN Chairman in Kwara State, and Alhaji Abdulrasaq Ariwoola, his NURTW counterpart, jointly led the protest. Onikijipa emphasized that the speed breakers were vital, installed after numerous meetings with the Kwara State government to curb accidents. He stated firmly, “These were lifesaving structures installed after repeated meetings with the Kwara State government…We cannot fold our arms and watch our members and commuters die.”
The Demand: Safety First, No More Empty Promises
The transport unions are demanding the immediate reinstatement of the speed breakers. They accuse the contractor of negligence and call on the federal government to intervene swiftly. Ariwoola, represented by NURTW State Secretary Mr. Aliyu Rasheed, suggested that while re-installing the speed bumps is necessary, long-term solutions, such as overhead bridges and pedestrian walkways, are vital.
“We have recorded avoidable deaths. The speed breakers were working. Their removal without replacements is reckless. We’re appealing to the federal Ministry of Works to urgently intervene,” Ariwoola stated, underlining the gravity of the situation.
What’s Next? Unions Threaten Escalation
The unions have made it clear: they will not back down until their demands are met. While they pledge to remain law-abiding, they are prepared to escalate their protests if the government fails to act decisively to protect lives on the expressway. The situation remains tense, with commuters and residents anxiously awaiting a resolution that prioritizes safety above all else.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Road Safety Crisis
This protest highlights a broader issue in Nigeria: road safety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), road traffic injuries are a major cause of death and disability globally, with low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected. Nigeria, with its rapidly growing population and increasing vehicle ownership, faces significant challenges in ensuring road safety for all its citizens.
Furthermore, the recent report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) indicates that over 5,000 Nigerians lost their lives in road accidents in just 11 months. These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive road safety strategies, including infrastructure improvements, stricter enforcement of traffic laws, and public awareness campaigns.