Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said that poorly positioned security checkpoints are the primary reason for persistent traffic congestion on major roads across Nigeria, especially during peak travel periods.
Obi made the remarks on Sunday via his official đť•Ź account, where he shared his personal experience travelling across several parts of the country during the recent festive season. He described the level of gridlock encountered on Nigerian highways as alarming and disruptive to travellers.
According to him, the traffic congestion was so severe in some areas that commuters heading to distant destinations were forced to abandon their journeys entirely. He said many travellers spent several hours trapped in traffic, struggling to navigate their way out of the chaos.
Obi explained that after closely observing the situation, he identified ill-positioned security checkpoints as the major contributor to the prolonged gridlock. He stated that checkpoints are often placed at narrow sections of roads or close to construction zones, creating severe bottlenecks that bring traffic movement to a standstill.
He described such placement as irresponsible, noting that instead of improving safety, it worsens road conditions and creates unnecessary hardship for motorists. Obi added that similar reports of traffic congestion linked to checkpoints had been recorded on roads across different parts of the country, indicating that the problem is widespread.
The former Anambra State governor said issues that may appear minor to some authorities should not be ignored, as they have a direct and significant impact on the daily lives of Nigerians. He stressed that governance must pay attention to details that affect citizens’ productivity, safety, and well-being.
While acknowledging the sacrifices and efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, Obi emphasized the need for better judgment and adaptability, particularly during festive seasons and other peak travel periods. He said many Nigerians travel long distances during such times, often contending with poor road conditions and limited alternative routes.
Obi noted that prolonged traffic delays caused by security checkpoints leave drivers physically and mentally exhausted. He warned that fatigue significantly increases the risk of road accidents, as motorists struggle to remain alert after spending several unplanned hours in traffic.
He said there is no justification for subjecting travellers to avoidable delays that could easily be reduced through better planning and coordination. According to him, traffic congestion caused by checkpoints contradicts the fundamental purpose of highway security operations.
Obi stressed that the primary role of security agencies is to protect lives, not to expose road users to additional dangers. He warned that extended delays often force travellers who began their journeys early in the day to remain on the road well after nightfall.
He said travelling late into the night exposes motorists to greater security risks, especially at a time when cases of road crime and insecurity remain a concern in many parts of the country. Obi argued that such outcomes defeat the very essence of maintaining security checkpoints.
Calling for urgent reforms, Obi urged security agencies to adopt a more strategic and coordinated approach to checkpoint operations nationwide. He said checkpoints should be positioned away from narrow roads, bridges, and construction zones to prevent unnecessary congestion.
He also called for faster and more efficient inspection processes during periods of heavy traffic, noting that lengthy checks during peak hours worsen gridlock without necessarily improving security outcomes. Obi emphasized the importance of coordination among different security agencies to eliminate multiple checkpoints clustered within short distances.
According to him, better planning and cooperation would significantly improve traffic flow while still maintaining effective security surveillance on highways. He said such reforms would reduce stress on travellers, lower accident risks, and improve overall road safety.
Obi concluded by stating that addressing the issue of poorly managed checkpoints would make Nigerian roads safer, more humane, and more efficient for citizens. He added that security and convenience should not be treated as opposing goals, insisting that both can be achieved through thoughtful and responsible decision-making.
