The Chairman of the Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency (EKSTMA), Hon. Sunday Ibitoye, has credited the relatively low number of road accidents in Ekiti State to the strong collaboration among agencies responsible for road safety.
Speaking during an audience-participatory simulcast programme, “Ekiti Today/Ekiti Loni,” Ibitoye explained that EKSTMA works closely with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force, and the FRSC Special Marshals, a volunteer group that supports traffic control and road safety awareness efforts.
According to him, this coordinated approach has significantly improved traffic management and enforcement across the state.
He noted that EKSTMA was established to ensure smooth traffic flow and reduce accidents to the barest minimum adding that beyond enforcing traffic laws, the agency regularly organizes sensitization programmes for motorists, commercial drivers, motorcyclists, tricycle operators, and pedestrians to promote proper road use and adherence to safety regulations.
Ibitoye also highlighted the agency’s prompt response to vehicle breakdowns that pose traffic risks and explained that obstructing vehicles are swiftly towed to prevent congestion, accidents, and other long-term hazards on the roads.
He said the agency would scale up its operations once the ongoing construction of the second Ado Ekiti flyover is completed, with the goal of restoring order and improving traffic flow in the area.
Emphasizing the agency’s legal mandate, Ibitoye stated that EKSTMA has the authority to arrest and prosecute traffic offenders under the Ekiti State Traffic Management Agency Law of 2011, which was enacted by the Ekiti State House of Assembly and signed into law by former Governor Kayode Fayemi.
The EKSTMA boss expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his consistent support with reforms that have boosted staff morale and strengthened the agency’s capacity to deliver effectively.
He further revealed that Governor Oyebanji has restructured the agency and significantly improved staff welfare adding that appointments have been regularized, positions made pensionable, and personnel are now eligible for promotion in line with the public service structure.
He, however, clarified that the agency is not revenue-driven, noting that all fines collected from offenders are paid directly into the state government treasury.
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Ibitoye reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement, improving road infrastructure, and intensifying public education campaigns. He stressed, however, that enforcement alone cannot eliminate road crashes.
“As the state continues to grow, we must all act responsibly,” he said. “Obey traffic laws, avoid one-way driving, respect traffic lights, and keep our roads free from obstruction. Road safety is a shared responsibility.”