Transport Operators Demand Return of Speed Humps on Oko-Olowo Route as Fatal Crashes Mount
Members of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria and the National Union of Road Transport Workers in Kwara State took to the streets today, urging the Federal Ministry of Works to restore speed breakers along the Oko-Olowo federal highway. The peaceful procession was led by Alhaji Abdulrahman Olayinka Onikijipa, Chairman of RTEAN, and Alhaji Abdulrazaq Ariwoola, Kwara State NURTW boss.
Alhaji Onikijipa told reporters that the absence of speed calming measures has turned the busy highway into a death trap. “We have buried too many colleagues and passengers in recent weeks,” he said. “It is heartbreaking to see human lives cut short because lorries and buses thunder down this road unchecked.”
Alhaji Ariwoola added that both unions were united in their demand. “We are not here to disrupt public order,” he explained. “Our aim is simple: protect lives and livelihoods. Speed breakers are not cosmetic—they save families from tragedy.”
Passengers and local traders joined the protest, recounting narrow escapes. Mrs. Aisha Abdullahi, a trader whose stall sits by the roadside, said, “Just last week, a commercial bus lost control and crashed into my wares. Thank God no one was killed that day. But we cannot live in fear.”
The Oko-Olowo highway links the north and south, carrying thousands of vehicles daily. In recent months, the route has seen a worrying rise in fatal accidents, prompting community leaders to press the Federal Road Safety Corps and Ministry of Works for swift action.
As the unions plan to escalate their campaign if nothing is done within two weeks, motorists are left hoping for speed breakers—or at minimum, more visible road signage and patrols—to bring relief to a highway steadily claiming lives.
