The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has urged urgent intervention on deteriorating roads and traffic gridlock in Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State and neighbouring communities.
Chinedu Nwonu, President of the chamber, in an interview with BusinessDay on Tuesday, warned of the economic losses and hardship over the situation.
He cited poor condition of major roads, construction-related disruptions and bridge closures affecting the movement of goods and people.
He listed the affected routes to include Owerri Road, Atani Road, Nsugbe-Otuocha Road, Obodoukwu Road, Limca Road and Nkpor-Umuoji Road.
Nwonu also identified the closure of Opi Bridge along 3-3 Road and the First Niger Bridge as additional challenges affecting mobility, interstate commerce and supply chains.
According to him, the disruptions have resulted in prolonged journeys, increased fuel consumption and transportation costs, delayed deliveries and reduced business productivity.
“For Onitsha, one of Nigeria’s most important commercial centres, the implications are far-reaching.
“Hours lost in traffic translate into lost trading opportunities, delayed deliveries, increased fuel consumption and reduced productivity.
“The situation had also affected workers, students, patients and families, while posing potential challenges to emergency movements,” he stressed.
Nwonu urged the Anambra and Federal Governments, as well as relevant road infrastructure agencies to prioritise emergency repairs on severely damaged roads and accelerate ongoing construction and rehabilitation projects.
He urged the authorities to establish realistic completion timelines, strengthen supervision of contractors and provide alternative routes, adequate road signage and traffic control personnel where roads and bridges were closed.
He also called for clarification on the status and expected reopening dates of Opi Bridge and the First Niger Bridge to enable road users and businesses to plan their movements.
“There’s also need for regular public updates on construction progress, road closures, diversions and completion dates, alongside consultations with market associations, transport operators and other business stakeholders,” he noted.
Nwonu warned that continued disruption could increase the cost of goods and services, weaken business confidence and discourage investment in Onitsha and neighbouring commercial and industrial communities.
“Road infrastructure is not merely a public amenity; it is the lifeline of commerce, industry, investment and employment,” he said.
He stressed the need to treat the situation as an economic emergency rather than a routine infrastructure concern.
Nwonu said ONICCIMA remained ready to collaborate with relevant authorities and stakeholders to identify priority interventions, restore mobility and protect livelihoods.
He added that accessible roads and efficient transportation were essential to sustaining Onitsha’s position as a major commercial and industrial hub in the South-East.
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