JUST IN: Abuja Residents Raise Alarm Over Faulty Traffic Lights as Accident Risks Increase at Major Junctions

Residents and motorists in Abuja have expressed growing concerns over malfunctioning traffic lights at major junctions across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning that the situation is increasing the risk of road accidents, traffic congestion and danger to pedestrians.

A report published by Premium Times on October 21, 2026, revealed that several busy intersections across Abuja have faulty, damaged or completely non-functional traffic signals, leaving motorists struggling to navigate the roads safely.

Among the affected locations are Jabi Park, Utako Junction, Wadata Plaza in Zone 5, ITC, Bullet, Gudu Junction and Orange Garden in Zone 2.

Commercial drivers operating around some of these locations said the absence of functioning traffic lights has created confusion, with vehicles approaching from different directions sometimes attempting to cross simultaneously.

At Bolingo Junction near Church Gate, commercial drivers described the area as a hotspot for road accidents. One driver, Onehr Ali, reportedly said accidents occur almost daily at the junction, while another driver, John Onome, expressed concern over the seriousness of crashes recorded in the area.

The situation is also affecting pedestrians, particularly around Jabi, Wuse Market, the Central Business District, Utako, Arab Junction and Berger Junction, where some pedestrian crossing signals have reportedly stopped working.

In Jabi, at least six faulty traffic lights were reportedly identified. One damaged signal near the entrance to Jabi Park was said to have been hit by an overloaded truck and left unrepaired for more than six months.

The development has raised concerns about the safety of children, elderly people and other pedestrians who depend on traffic signals to cross busy roads.

Reacting to the situation, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Sector Commander, Illyasu Tijani, acknowledged the importance of functioning traffic lights in managing road safety.

He explained that Abuja has approximately 217 traffic-light-controlled junctions in the city centre and that maintaining the electrical and mechanical equipment can be challenging.

According to him, the FRSC reports malfunctioning traffic signals to the appropriate FCT authorities for necessary repairs or replacement.

Meanwhile, the Director of Traffic Management at the FCT Administration, Okey Ichie, disclosed that maintenance contracts had commenced to address traffic management challenges, including the replacement of damaged traffic lights and CCTV infrastructure.

He also revealed that authorities were testing a traffic-light violation detection system at selected junctions before expanding it to other locations.

The FCTA further plans to synchronise traffic lights across Abuja so they can be monitored from central control rooms.

The director expressed optimism that improvements would become noticeable in the coming months, adding that authorities hoped to address the damaged installations before the end of 2026, subject to procurement processes.

Residents are now calling on the relevant authorities to speed up repairs and ensure regular maintenance of traffic infrastructure to prevent avoidable accidents.

For many motorists and pedestrians, restoring the faulty traffic lights is no longer just about reducing traffic congestion but also about protecting lives. As Abuja continues to experience rapid urban growth, residents say the safety of road users must become a priority. They are urging the FCT Administration to ensure that all faulty traffic lights are repaired promptly and that regular maintenance is introduced to prevent future breakdowns. Until these concerns are addressed, motorists and pedestrians may continue to face unnecessary risks at major intersections across the capital.