The Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS) has moved to the enforcement stage in its drive to tackle wrong parking by trucks, unregistered vehicles, unlicensed motorcycles, and drivers without valid licences in Obajana.
The decision was reached at a follow-up meeting with critical stakeholders, following an earlier engagement held at the Palace of the Bajana of Obajana.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), Kogi State Traffic Management Agency (KOTRAMA), Sarniams concept and fleet Management limited, and other key stakeholders.
Addressing the meeting, the Executive Chairman of KGIRS,Sule Salihu Enehe,PhD, commended stakeholders for honouring the invitation and for their commitment to restoring sanity on the roads.
Dr. Enehe said insecurity does not fall from the sky, but is a direct consequence of action and inaction.
“People buy cars and drive them on the road with no plate number, no registration, and nobody stops them. People buy motorcycles and start riding without a licence. That is how criminals escape, because you cannot trace them,” he said.
He explained that when an unregistered motorcycle is abandoned after a crime, security agencies cannot trace the owner, and the criminal disappears. He added that proper registration is not only a source of revenue, but also a vital tool for data, planning, and security.
The Chairman disclosed that the Bajana of Obajana and the entire community have fully endorsed the enforcement exercise, noting that on several occasions, motorcycles recovered after incidents could not be traced to their owners.
He stressed that the community is tired of tolerating lawlessness and is ready to support the agencies to ensure peace and order.
In his remarks, The Director of Administration and ICT,KGIRS, Mr Alex Akande recalled that at the earlier palace meeting, stakeholders, including the NURTW, Okada Union, Keke Union, school proprietors, and representatives of various ethnic groups, unanimously agreed that enforcement was long overdue.
He said the community also lamented the neglect of sensitisation on road safety and civic responsibility, and advised that enforcement officers must remain professional and must not compromise.
Contributing, The representatives of FRSC, VIO, and KOTROMA, SARNIAMS CONCEPT AND FLEET MANAGEMENT LIMITED,in their separate remarks raised concerns about some issues of concerns,lack of operational vehicles, welfare of officers, and the need for security backup during enforcement, especially in view of the hostile attitude of some trailer drivers.
They also called for clear modalities on fines, towing of impounded vehicles, accommodation for officers on duty, and regular rotation of officers on the road to prevent familiarity and compromise.
They further stressed the need for proper house numbering and traceable addresses during driver’s licence capture, to make enforcement and security tracking effective.
Responding, Dr. Enehe assured the agencies of KGIRS’ support, noting that the exercise is volume-driven and that every agency stands to benefit from increased compliance.
He said KGIRS will not look at challenges, but at opportunities, and urged officers to remain determined, disciplined, and professional.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to constitute a joint technical team, with two representatives from each agency, to work out operational modalities, logistics, security arrangements, and a timeline for the commencement of enforcement.
The team is expected to meet immediately and report back for the commencement of full enforcement in Obajana, which will later be extended to other parts of the state.