The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a leading environmental and human rights organization in Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the recurring loss of lives caused by frequent road traffic accidents along the Waterside–Ogbor Hill corridor in Aba, Abia State.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nnanna Nwafor, the organization described the axis as one of the most accident-prone routes in the state, citing persistent heavy traffic congestion, poor traffic coordination, unsafe pedestrian exposure, and inadequate road safety infrastructure as major contributors to the rising number of crashes. According to FENRAD, the recurring incidents have resulted in avoidable deaths, serious injuries, and destruction of livelihoods, raising critical public safety and human rights concerns.
The group noted that the Waterside Ogbor Hill corridor functions as a major commercial and transportation hub with intense vehicular and pedestrian activities daily.
However, the absence of modern traffic engineering solutions such as flyovers, pedestrian overhead bridges, and effective traffic flow systems has worsened congestion and increased the risk of fatal accidents.
FENRAD therefore called on the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, to urgently prioritize critical infrastructure development along the corridor. The organization specifically recommended the construction of flyovers, pedestrian bridges, and comprehensive road redesigns aimed at separating vehicular movement from pedestrian traffic to reduce congestion and eliminate dangerous conflict points.
The organization also urged the government to commission an independent traffic, environmental, and social impact assessment to guide sustainable and long-term interventions.
Additional measures proposed include the installation of modern traffic control systems, proper road signage, speed-calming mechanisms, strict enforcement of road safety regulations, and sustained public awareness campaigns.
FENRAD emphasized that infrastructure planning must be proactive, inclusive, and people-centered, stressing that the right to life, safety, and a secure environment is fundamental. The group warned that communities should not continue to experience preventable tragedies due to inadequate planning or delayed government action.
Describing road safety as a critical human rights issue, the organization called on relevant ministries, road safety agencies, urban planners, and traffic management authorities to collaborate transparently and implement immediate solutions. It also encouraged civil society organizations, community leaders, and the media to maintain advocacy efforts toward achieving lasting and life-saving reforms.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to environmental justice, sustainable development, and the protection of human rights, pledging continued engagement with stakeholders to ensure that residents of Aba and the wider Abia State benefit from safe, efficient, and humane transportation infrastructure.
