Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has stated that the primary cause of gridlock on Nigerian roads is the poorly positioned security checkpoints across Nigeria.
Speaking via his 𝕏 account on Sunday, Obi lamented that he experienced appalling levels of traffic congestion during the festive season.
He noted that the gridlock was so extreme that travellers had to abandon their journeys in a bid to escape the chaos.
He wrote, “This festive season, I traversed several major roads across the country and encountered appalling levels of traffic congestion.
“At times, the gridlock was so extreme that travellers bound for distant destinations were forced to abandon their journeys, wasting hours trying to escape the chaos.”
According to him, a closer examination of the situation revealed that ill-positioned security checkpoints were the primary cause of the congestion.
“A closer inspection reveals that the primary contributor to this congestion is the ill-placed security checkpoints. Positioning these checkpoints at narrow points or near construction zones is nothing short of irresponsible, as it brings traffic to a complete standstill,” Obi stated.
He added that similar experiences were being reported on many roads across the country, suggesting that the problem was widespread.
Obi said issues often dismissed as minor deserve serious attention because of their direct impact on the everyday lives of Nigerians.
“Some may dismiss certain areas of my commentary as trivial, but I firmly assert that every detail has profound implications for our society; they significantly influence people’s daily lives,” he said.
While acknowledging the efforts and sacrifices of Nigeria’s security agencies, Obi stressed the need for better judgment and adaptability, particularly during peak travel periods.
“While I respect and recognise the sacrifices made by our security agencies, they must adopt greater discretion and flexibility during peak travel times.
“People are returning to work, facing long distances, and contending with poor road conditions,” he said.
He warned that prolonged delays caused by traffic bottlenecks leave drivers fatigued and increase the likelihood of road accidents.
“These unnecessary delays leave drivers exhausted, raising the risk of accidents as they struggle to stay alert behind the wheel.
“There is absolutely no justification for subjecting travellers to such avoidable setbacks,” Obi added.
Obi further argued that the current situation contradicts the core purpose of highway security operations.
“The purpose of security is to protect lives, not endanger them.
“Extended delays force those who set out early to find themselves on the road well after dark, putting them at even greater risk in a time marked by rising insecurity,” he warned.
Calling for urgent reforms, the former Anambra State governor urged security agencies to adopt a more strategic and coordinated approach to addressing the issue.
“A more strategic approach is not just advisable, it’s essential.
“Checkpoints must be strategically located away from narrow roads and construction zones, inspections need to be expedited during heavy traffic, and agencies must coordinate effectively to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks,” Obi said.
He concluded that such measures would improve traffic flow without compromising security, making Nigerian roads safer and more humane.