Chinese-sponsored FCT traffic lights: For road safety or revenue generation?

On September 13, 2022, in a means to ensure ease of traffic and orderliness on Abuja roads, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) flagged off the construction of wireless LED traffic light control signals at 98 major intersections within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The project was powered by the Government of the Peoples’ Republic of China in addition to other donor projects for the benefit of FCT residents.

Speaking at the commencement of the project at Wuye Market Junction, in Wuye District, Abuja, former FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, said it added a needed impetus as the government strives towards building a world-class capital city.

Bello noted that the project also adds value to efforts of managing energy consumption needs as the traffic control signals will utilise wireless LED energy saving illumination.

Represented by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola, the minister expressed hope that on completion, the project will further aid efforts by the FCT Administration to achieve an efficient and effective traffic management system in Abuja.

He said: “Abuja is one of the fastest growing cities in the world with an equally fast growing population. This rapid growth has put enormous pressure on city infrastructure including those dedicated to traffic management.

“On our part, we will ensure an enabling environment for a hitch-free and successful delivery of this project and look forward to its completion and subsequent commissioning.”

In his remarks, the Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jian Chun, reiterated the commitment of the Chinese government to support the effort of Nigerian government at all levels to keep developing infrastructure to boost socioeconomic activities.

He added that the project, which is part of Chinese initiatives to boost its relationship with Nigeria, aims at furthering building of harmony in the society, as it is critical governing the people.

According to him, Nigeria and China trade relationship is now number one in Africa, which the Chinese intends to always strengthen.

How the project was conceived

Abdullahi Adamu Candido, former secretary, FCT Transportation Secretariat, disclosed that the project was initiated in 2012, during the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, (FOCAC) when the Chinese Government assented to the request to help the Nigerian government construct solar-powered wireless traffic control signals at 74 intersections in Abuja.

He said the solar-powered traffic light system has proven to be reliable and energy efficient, especially in the face of rising cost of gas in the global market.

“The major challenge is our resolve to own the project and to commit to protecting it from vandalism. As already directed by the minister, authorised officials to work on the installation would be clearly identifiable.

“I therefore call on citizen and residents to rise to protect the installations. If you see something unusual taking place, please raise alarm,” he stated.

A tool for generating IGR?

Despite assurance from government that the traffic lights are for the good of the people, there is apprehension from the residents of the FCT that the new Chinese traffic lights in the FCT are not just to direct traffic but a means of generating IGR for the government.

The residents are speculating that any time you go against the traffic lights, it will record your number plate and show in their database and a fine will be attached.

So, when you need to renew your license or papers it will show your accumulated fine and if you are not able to pay at that time, your car will be impounded and demurrage will start from that day.

When the Nigerian Tribune sought the opinion of an FCT motorist, Elder Sam Ogbeifun, he had this to say: “This nation cannot continue this way. We cannot run a mega city of this nature by allowing motorists to drive and disobey traffic rules with reckless abandon and nobody is checking them, nobody is asking them anything. You cannot expect that there is a security man there to chase offenders. We have gone far enough to know that we are not in the era of chasing motorists on the streets when they have broken the law.

“We should have a scientific way of checking, monitoring or arresting those who break the law. It is a question of getting your number or data. That’s why we must go all out to make this process scientific, so that at any point in time, when you are caught, police should be able to fetch your data. The Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and Road Safety (FRSC) should capture what you have done and the offender should not just pay but be prosecuted.”

Another FCT motorist, Usman Umar told Nigerian Tribune that: “Should that be the case, it is a welcome development. One thing however I will advise government to do is a lot of publicity about it so that people will become aware of it.

“When people drive knowing that nobody is watching, it gives people the encouragement to flout traffic regulations. But when you are aware that a camera somewhere is filming you, it leads to a lot of care and self-restraint from the part of road motorists and other road users.

“It will also translate into reduction in the number of crashes, especially the tragic ones that we experience.

“Where I will fault the policy is if sensitisation is not done. The essence is not only to make money as it may seem, but to ensure safety on our roads, and to remove the need for humans with the use of technology to make our roads safer.”

When contacted, Mr Kalu, the Public Relations Officer of Directorate of Road Transport Service popularly known as VIO, said their role is first to ensure the security of lives and property on the road.

He said he was not aware that the traffic lights would serve as a source of revenue generation for government. He however stated that when motorists commit traffic infractions, they (VIO), all over the country not just in the FCT, fine the offenders. The fines serve as revenue to government.

As at the time of filing the report, efforts to reach Corps Public Education Officer of Federal Road Safety Corps, Bisi Kazeem, to get the position of the Corps on the matter proved abortive.