Imo State Govt Reintroduces Traffic Management Agency to Enforce Road Discipline

The Imo State Government has officially reinstated the Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA), signaling a renewed commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and improving road order across the state.

The agency, previously suspended for several years, was formally relaunched during an inauguration ceremony held at Arugo Motor Park, Onitsha Road, Owerri. The event was led by the Commissioner for Transport, Emeka Okoronkwo, and attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Moneme Judith, senior transport officials, and other key stakeholders.

Speaking at the inauguration, Commissioner Okoronkwo announced that ISTMA will now serve as the sole traffic control and enforcement body in the state. He charged the newly appointed officials to carry out their duties professionally and with empathy, stressing the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with road users while upholding traffic laws.

He highlighted the need for strict enforcement, particularly around critical zones such as the Assumpta Cathedral–Control Post Flyover. The commissioner explained that the move follows the government’s recent ban on the indiscriminate loading and offloading of goods and passengers in that area.

“The commencement of this operation has become necessary to ensure road safety and protect vital infrastructure, such as the Assumpta Flyover, recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Okoronkwo stated.

To promote accountability, the Ministry of Transport has made three public distress lines available for reporting misconduct or submitting feedback on ISTMA officials. The commissioner warned that any form of abuse of office or unprofessional behavior would attract strict disciplinary action.

Okoronkwo also commended Governor Hope Uzodinma for his commitment to developing modern transport infrastructure in the state, noting the governor’s recognition of commercial drivers as key contributors to Imo’s economic growth.

As part of the inauguration event, Mr. David Egejuru, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Imo State, delivered a lecture to the ISTMA operatives. He urged them to remain disciplined, respectful, and law-abiding in their duties, reminding them that road safety is a shared responsibility between authorities and citizens. He also warned against alcohol use, aggression, and infringement on motorists’ rights.

Commercial drivers and transport operators welcomed ISTMA’s return, expressing satisfaction with the composition and approach of the new management team. Many expressed hope that the agency’s return would restore sanity and orderliness to traffic operations in Owerri and beyond.