The Imo State Government has officially reintroduced the Imo State Traffic Management Agency, ISTMA, to ensure strict adherence to traffic rules by road users.

The return of the agency, which had been suspended for a few years by the State Government, became feasible following its recent inauguration by the Commissioner for Transport, Emeka Okoronkwo, who charged the new management of the agency to carry out their duties with a human face while ensuring road orderliness.

The inauguration of the new ISTMA teams, held at Arugo Motor Park along Onitsha Road in Owerri, was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mrs Moneme Judith, the Head of Transport, and other key stakeholders.

In his speech, the Commissioner stated that ISTMA will now serve as the sole government agency responsible for traffic control and management in the state.

He emphasised that the new phase of operations is designed to foster a friendly working relationship with drivers while strictly enforcing traffic regulations, particularly around sensitive areas such as the Assumpta Cathedral–Control Post flyover.

Okoronkwo explained that the enforcement became necessary following the state government’s ban on the indiscriminate loading and offloading of passengers and goods around the Flyover, noting that the measure aims to preserve the newly commissioned infrastructure and ensure smooth traffic flow within the area.

“The commencement of this operation has become expedient to guarantee safe road usage and protect such critical infrastructure as the Assumpta Flyover recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry has made available three public distress phone lines for feedback and complaints on the conduct of ISTMA officials, warning that any form of misconduct or abuse of duty would attract strict disciplinary measures.

Okoronkwo, while commending Governor Hope Uzodinma for what he described as his commitment to modern transport infrastructure, further noted that the Governor holds drivers in high regard as key contributors to the State’s economy.

Delivering a lecture during the event, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Imo State Sector, Mr David Egejuru, urged ISTMA operatives to be courteous, disciplined, and law-abiding.

He reminded them that road safety is a shared responsibility and cautioned against alcohol consumption, aggression, or violation of motorists’ rights.

Commercial drivers and transport operators in the state expressed joy over the reintroduction of the agency and described the newly constituted management team as human-friendly.

They expressed optimism that sanity and orderliness would once again define traffic management in the state capital as the agency resumes its role as a bridge between the government and road users.