Borno State University Calls for Urgent Action on Road Safety and Traffic Management in Maiduguri

The Borno State University community has expressed deep concern over the escalating traffic congestion and safety hazards on the Maiduguri-Kano Road, particularly within the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

A recent tragic accident, which occurred on December 11, 2024, resulted in the loss of promising students from the university, leaving the community deeply saddened and shaken. The frequent blockage of the Air Force one-way route by heavy trucks has been identified as a major contributor to these accidents.

In response to this pressing concern, the university has appealed to the Borno State Government to take swift action to address the traffic crisis. The appeal, made by Adamu Jibrin, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, calls for the implementation of three key measures:

- Permanent Suspension of Trucks: Implement a permanent ban on heavy trucks entering the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council until the construction of the trailer park is completed.

- Strict Enforcement of Traffic Rules: Enhance traffic enforcement to ensure strict adherence to traffic regulations, particularly regarding the use of the Air Force one-way route.

- Prioritize Road Infrastructure Development: Continue to allocate substantial resources to the development and maintenance of the Maiduguri-Kano Road, including expanding the road's capacity and improving its overall condition.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has already taken steps to address the issue, having directed the Ministry of Works to expedite the completion of the ongoing Maiduguri Trailer Park project.¹ The governor has also announced plans to enforce a ban on trailers and other heavy vehicles from accessing the city center to minimize future accidents.