Motorists Protest ARTMA Fines on Anambra's Bad Roads

Motorists using the Onitsha-Owerri Road in Anambra State have expressed frustration over the harassment and imposition of high fines by officials of the Anambra State Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA). Drivers reported that they are being extorted for amounts between ₦150,000 and ₦300,000, particularly near the People’s Club Bus Stop, where deep potholes make driving hazardous.

Many drivers are forced to navigate into the opposite lane to avoid these dangerous conditions, which leads to heavy fines from traffic officials who are allegedly hiding to catch offenders during peak hours. Some drivers claimed that ARTMA officials focus solely on enforcement and fines instead of addressing the road's poor conditions.

A taxi driver noted that commercial buses are particularly targeted, as they are under pressure to transport passengers to their destinations. One victim, identified as "Mr Obinna," described the situation as a "double tragedy," highlighting the challenges posed by both the road conditions and the aggressive enforcement by traffic officials.