Protect EDSTMA Officials, Strengthen Agency, Don Imatitikua Tells Edo Govt
Social-political analyst, Don Imatitikua, has called on the Edo State Government to take urgent steps to protect officials of the Edo State Traffic Management Agency (EDSTMA) from assault, intimidation and harassment while carrying out their statutory duties.
Imatitikua’s call followed growing concerns over confrontations involving traffic officials and other law-enforcement personnel, including a reported clash between EDSTMA officials and police operatives in Benin City on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, which reportedly left at least one traffic official injured and triggered gunshots at the busy Third Junction/Sokponba Road axis.
He described such incidents as unacceptable, stressing that EDSTMA personnel are representatives of the state government and should be accorded adequate protection and institutional backing while performing their lawful responsibilities.
According to him, “nemo est supra legem” — nobody is above the law, arguing that anyone found culpable of assaulting, obstructing or unlawfully intimidating an EDSTMA official on duty should face appropriate disciplinary or legal action, irrespective of the person's status, uniform or institutional affiliation.
The analyst also called for clearer operational boundaries and stronger collaboration among EDSTMA, the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies involved in traffic control and enforcement.
He said effective coordination would help prevent unnecessary clashes, duplication of responsibilities and institutional rivalry, while ensuring that traffic management remains focused on public safety and the free movement of people and vehicles.
The call is particularly significant given that EDSTMA's official mandate includes traffic control, enforcement and regulation, road-safety education, accident management, vehicle towing and collaboration with other agencies to ensure compliance with traffic laws.
Imatitikua further urged the Edo State Government to prioritise the funding, restructuring, training and equipping of the agency.
He specifically appealed for the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other essential tools to enable traffic officials effectively discharge their duties across Benin City and other parts of the state.
He noted that the government had provided operational support to the police and other security agencies in the state, describing such interventions as commendable, but argued that EDSTMA should receive similar attention as a state-owned agency with direct responsibility for traffic management.
“It is important for government to strengthen its own institutions,” he said, stressing that EDSTMA officials should not be expected to effectively manage traffic across the state without adequate operational resources.
Imatitikua maintained that the provision of vehicles and motorcycles should be treated as a priority, considering the agency's daily responsibilities, which include managing traffic, enforcing road regulations, responding to incidents and assisting motorists.
He also urged the government to strengthen public awareness of EDSTMA's statutory authority so that motorists and other road users understand that lawful directives issued by authorised traffic officials must be respected.
However, he stressed that traffic enforcement must be conducted professionally and within the law, noting that EDSTMA's own officials must also maintain discipline, civility and accountability in their interactions with members of the public.
The state government has previously emphasised the need for a professional and reformed EDSTMA, with official policy documents identifying integrity, professionalism, accountability, collaboration and community focus among the agency's core values.
Imatitikua therefore urged the government to protect the dignity and safety of EDSTMA personnel while simultaneously ensuring that the agency operates professionally and transparently.
He said a properly funded, trained and equipped EDSTMA would contribute significantly to reducing traffic congestion, improving road discipline, enhancing road safety and ensuring smoother movement across Benin City and other parts of Edo State.
“Government must protect its officials when they are carrying out lawful duties, but it must also ensure that those officials are properly trained, properly equipped and accountable to the people they serve,” he said.
