In this interview, the Executive Chairman/CEO of Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA), Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), spoke on the plan of the agency to implement a Traffic Management Solution System, which will involve installing CCTV cameras on key roads to capture traffic violations without the need for officer intervention to prevent any direct altercation between offenders and officers.
The retired Nigerian Army officer, who acknowledged the risks involved in the line of duty for his officers, explained that some physical assaults can result in serious or even fatal injuries for OYRTMA officers.
He stated that the state governor, Seyi Makinde has recently approved hazard allowances for the officers. He thereafter said that the Authority also does not take a lenient approach nor tolerate any misconduct from its officers.
Excerpts:
Some residents of the state do not know the main duties of OYRTMA on our roads, and most mistake your officer’s functions with VIO and FRSC. Can you tell us the job similarities and differences?
This Authority is not a nascent agency in the State. It has been in establishment since the year 2009 till date making it 14 to 15 years of existence. The Authority (OYRTMA) came into existence by the enactment of the Oyo State House of Assembly on the 4th of November 2009.
Though the Authority’s Uniform looks like that of the FRSC with the top shirt, the trousers are different, which are wine color for OYRTMA and black for FRSC. That of VIO is completely different, which for VIO is just a white top and black trousers.
Yes, there are similarities in the functions of OYRTMA and FRSC, but they are completely different from those of VIO.
While OYRTMA can perform all the functions of FRSC except for the issuance of a driver’s license, FRSC can operate beyond the borders of any state while that of OYRTMA is restricted to all the roads in Oyo State. Every other thing is done by OYRTMA, too, in line with the Oyo State OYRTMA law established in 2009.
How does the agency deal with the complaints of excesses of your officers as well as those who are found culpable of gross misconduct while carrying out their duties on major roads?
The Authority does not take a lenient approach or tolerate any misconduct from its officers. We have a comprehensive guideline manual, alongside the Civil Service code, which collectively shapes the behavior and responsibilities of our officers in line with their duties.
Furthermore, the Authority consistently emphasizes that officers must maintain civility toward the public. If any officer fails to do so, their name can easily be identified from the name tag on their uniform, as no officer is allowed to wear a uniform without one. Misconduct can be reported using the official contact numbers displayed on our vehicles or by visiting our offices to file a formal complaint. Several officers have faced dismissal, suspension, or other disciplinary actions as a result of such reports.
Misconduct can also be reported through our official contact numbers: 07058890036 (toll-free), 07047000594, and 09128888878. These numbers are displayed on all our vehicles for easy access.
How do you deal with assault on your officers?
Every job comes with its hazards, and ours is no exception. There are various ways in which we deal with the assault on our officers anytime it occurs; this includes Emergency Response, Collaboration with Security Agencies, Legal Action, Awareness Campaigns, and Officer Training,
In cases of serious assault, OYRTMA officers are trained to call for assistance from law enforcement to defuse the situation and ensure their safety, and in some cases, when assaults occur, OYRTMA works with the Nigerian Police and other security forces to ensure offenders are apprehended and face legal consequences. Depending on the degree of assault, OYRTMA also has legal measures against individuals who assault its officers. Assaulting an officer is a criminal offense under Nigerian law, and those involved are subject to prosecution. Currently, two individuals have been charged with assault and are undergoing trials at the Mapo Magistrate Court
As I said, we also go on awareness campaigns; we conduct public awareness campaigns to highlight the risks and penalties of attacking our officers. These initiatives focus on educating citizens about obeying traffic laws and respecting officers. OYRTMA also provides its personnel with training in conflict management and non-lethal defense techniques to address confrontational situations
Does OYRTMA have a fixed fine imposed on offenders?
The Authority imposes fixed fines for various traffic offenses, as stipulated by the law that governs its operations.
The fine amount varies depending on the specific offense, with the law allowing for adjustments by the Ministry of Justice to reflect current traffic regulations. For instance, offenses such as Traffic Signs and Markings (TSM 08, TSM 03, and TSM 02) carry different fines compared to Miscellaneous Traffic Signs (MTF 11, MTF 10, or MTF 02). The penalties may be increased, reduced, or replaced with imprisonment—or a combination of both—if the offender is taken to court, particularly in cases of repeated violations or persistent non-compliance.
Do you have the authority to dispose off impounded vehicles should the owner fail to come for it, and how long does this take?
Yes, vehicles will be disposed of at an appropriate time if the owner fails to claim them, but this must be done by the law. When vehicles are impounded, the law mandates that demurrage fees must be paid for the duration the vehicle remains in our custody. If a vehicle stays unclaimed for six months, a court injunction will be obtained, and a notice will be published in national newspapers before it is auctioned to the public.
Let’s talk about the Traffic Management Devices; what are the technology initiatives you are planning to introduce?
When I assumed the role of Chairman of the Authority, many of its operations, such as ticketing and payment, were handled manually, leading to fund leakages. To address this, I introduced the Automated Payment System (APS), eliminating cash payments in favor of electronic transactions.
Additionally, we are planning to implement a Traffic Management Solution System, which will involve installing CCTV cameras on key roads to capture traffic violations without the need for officer intervention, thus preventing any direct altercation between offenders and officers.
Moreover, we recently launched our Real-Time Traffic Report Studio, which provides live updates on traffic conditions from our various commands across the state. These reports are broadcast live on our Facebook page.
What more should the public expect from OYRTMA?
The public can anticipate a more courteous and professional team from OYRTMA, with officers who are dedicated to providing superior service to all road users and are fully committed to maintaining integrity by rejecting any form of bribery. Our primary focus will continue to be on enhancing road safety, alleviating traffic congestion, and implementing a more efficient and transparent traffic management system.
Finally, what are the ranks in OYRTMA?
Besides the politically appointed Executive Chairman and General Manager, the hierarchy within the Authority is structured as follows, from highest to lowest rank:
Deputy General Manager
Assistant General Manager
Chief Road Traffic Officer
Assistant Chief Road Traffic Officer
Principal Road Traffic Officer
Senior Road Traffic Officer
Road Traffic Officer I
Road Traffic Officer II
Trainee Traffic Officer
Chief Traffic Assistant
Assistant Chief Traffic Assistant
Principal Traffic Assistant I
Principal Traffic Assistant II
Senior Traffic Assistant
