A civic advocate has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to invest in modern traffic monitoring and control systems as Abuja’s road networks and population continue to expand.
Comrade Salihu Dantata Mahmud, convener of the Salute Nigeria Initiative, issued the appeal on Monday, stressing the need for immediate reform in the management of traffic within the capital city and its surrounding area councils.
According to Mahmud, manual traffic control methods have become obsolete globally, with advanced monitoring technologies now standard in major cities.
“This is a clarion call to the FCT Minister to channel resources into procuring modern traffic equipment. We must evolve with the times,” he said.
He argued that the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) in the FCT should be restructured and equipped with centralised systems that allow for real-time traffic control, rather than relying solely on personnel at junctions.
Mahmud noted that with new roads being commissioned across Abuja, the current approach to traffic management risks becoming increasingly ineffective and burdensome to road users.
He expressed confidence in Wike’s capacity to implement such reforms, describing the minister as “an achiever with a proven record”.
“Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in adopting smart urban infrastructure,” he added.
The call comes amid growing concern over congestion, road safety, and the increasing complexity of transportation logistics in the capital.
