The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has given roadside traders operating along the Abakpa Nike axis a seven-day ultimatum to vacate roadways and other areas obstructing the free flow of traffic.
The ministry also warned motorists against driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way driving, saying offenders would have their vehicles impounded and be required to pay the prescribed fines.
The Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, following a sensitisation exercise carried out across major traffic corridors in the Abakpa Nike area.
The exercise covered Ukwu Aki, Texaco, Nowas, T-Junction and Nkwo, where the ministry identified traffic violations and roadside trading as major contributors to congestion and obstruction.
Ozor said motorists and tricycle operators were educated on the dangers and penalties associated with driving against traffic, while roadside traders were directed to vacate roadways within seven days.
He explained that the current exercise was primarily aimed at sensitisation and public enlightenment, but warned that strict enforcement and prosecution of offenders would commence immediately after the expiration of the grace period.
The commissioner urged motorists, traders and other residents to cooperate with the government’s efforts to restore order and improve traffic flow across Abakpa Nike.
He described one-way driving as dangerous and appealed to motorists to obey traffic regulations.
“One-way driving is a death trap. Keep to your lane and keep the roads clear,” Ozor cautioned.
The ministry said the enforcement drive is part of ongoing efforts to make major roads across Enugu State safer, more accessible and free from avoidable obstructions.
