The President of the Kogi Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture [KOCCIMA], Dr. Akerejola Demiloye, has again called on the Federal Government to complete the Lokoja-Abuja road, lamenting that Nigerians endure severe hardship on the route every festive season.
Dr. Akerejola said KOCCIMA had earlier calculated the economic losses businesses suffer due to the persistent gridlock at Banda-Nataco. Just weeks ago, he noted, that the Easter period saw massive losses from traffic standstill, and the same situation has recurred days before the Eid El Kabir festival.
“For how long will Nigerians suffer? For how long will businesses bear these losses?” he asked. “The time to declare a national disaster on the Lokoja-Abuja road cannot be better than now. What is the crime of businesses and motorists? The energy spent on politics and political rhetoric on the Abuja-Lokoja road should now be directed to action by the President.”
KOCCIMA estimates that the gridlock costs businesses and commuters ₦65 million daily. The chamber said the 12-hour traffic standstill at Banda affects about 500 heavy-duty trucks and 1,000 passenger vehicles daily.
The breakdown shows ₦47.5 million lost to truck delays from extra fuel, idle time, and delivery penalties; ₦11.5 million from passenger vehicles; and ₦6 million from spoiled perishable goods.
If the gridlock occurs 15 days in a month, direct monthly losses rise to ₦975 million, or ₦11.7 billion annually, excluding indirect costs such as security risks, health impacts, and missed contracts.
Dr. Akerejola said these figures are conservative, and actual losses are likely higher during festive periods when traffic volume doubles and the movement of perishable goods peaks. KOCCIMA added that it is still compiling detailed data from traders and transport unions for a more precise estimate.
He reiterated that KOCCIMA will use its role as a bridge between businesses and government to push for solutions that protect commerce and ease movement along the critical corridor.
