Commuters along the Karu-Nyanya Expressway in Abuja have raised concerns over worsening traffic congestion caused by the growing presence of roadside traders, warning that the situation poses significant safety risks.
Road users told the traders selling items such as clothing and footwear have taken over designated parking areas meant for commercial vehicles to load and offload passengers. As a result, vehicles are forced to stop along the main carriageway, reducing available road space and intensifying gridlock.
A commercial driver on the Zuba-Nyanya route, Ismail Dango, expressed frustration over the development, noting that the road already known for accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles has become even more hazardous.
“The road has always been dangerous, with frequent accidents linked to tanker and trailer brake failures. Even after restrictions were placed on trailers using this route, we expected some relief. Instead, traders have now occupied a significant portion of the road, creating another serious challenge that requires urgent attention,” he said.
Dango also highlighted the increasing trend of indiscriminate parking, with many drivers abandoning designated parks.
Another commuter, Israel Adegoke, echoed the concerns and called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intervene promptly.
“The FRSC should step in to prevent avoidable accidents. It can take over an hour to navigate this stretch due to congestion caused by roadside trading and illegal parking,” he said.
Findings indicate that traders typically occupy the affected section of the road between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., coinciding with peak traffic periods and further worsening congestion. Areas originally designated for parking have effectively been converted into informal marketplaces.
A commuter, Jemima, described the situation as a daily ordeal. “Whenever I’m returning from work during that period, I already expect to spend at least an hour in traffic that could have been avoided,” she said.
Observations also revealed the presence of a nearby police post, although officials of the FRSC were largely absent during peak periods of congestion.
The Nyanya-Karu corridor has a history of fatal accidents, including a tragic incident in February 2025. Heavy-duty vehicles have, in several cases, overturned near the mini-bridge or crashed along the stretch between Abacha Barracks and NAF Valley Estate.
Although authorities have restricted trailers from using the expressway and directed them to designated parking areas, including locations opposite NAF Valley, commuters say the intended improvements have been undermined by the continued encroachment of traders on the roadway.
