Imo State Government Relaunches ISTMA to Restore Sanity on Roads

The Imo State Government has officially brought back the Imo State Traffic Management Agency (ISTMA), which had been suspended for some years, to enforce traffic rules and ensure orderliness across the state. The reintroduction aims to tackle traffic challenges while safeguarding newly built public infrastructure.

Dependable NG reports that the agency’s return was marked by its recent inauguration by the Commissioner for Transport, Emeka Okoronkwo, at the Arugo Motor Park in Owerri, with a strong charge to the new management to operate with a “human face.”

Commissioner Okoronkwo declared that ISTMA is now the sole government body authorized for traffic control and management in Imo State. He emphasized that the new operational phase is structured to maintain a collaborative relationship with commercial drivers while strictly enforcing regulations, particularly in key areas.

According to Okoronkwo, the strict enforcement is crucial around sensitive infrastructure, specifically the Assumpta Cathedral–Control Post flyover, which was recently commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The state government has placed a ban on the indiscriminate loading and offloading of passengers and goods in this area to preserve the new infrastructure and guarantee smooth traffic flow.

“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,” the Commissioner stated.

Commending Governor Hope Uzodinma for his commitment to modern transport infrastructure, Okoronkwo also acknowledged drivers as vital contributors to the state’s economy. He further announced that the Ministry has set up three public distress phone lines to receive feedback and complaints regarding the conduct of ISTMA officials, cautioning that any form of misconduct will be met with severe disciplinary action.

During the event, Mr. David Egejuru, the Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for the Imo State Sector, delivered a lecture, urging ISTMA operatives to maintain courtesy, discipline, and strict adherence to the law, stressing that road safety is a shared responsibility.

Commercial drivers and transport operators welcomed the reintroduction of the agency, describing the newly constituted management team as “human-friendly.” They expressed strong optimism that ISTMA’s return will restore sanity and orderliness to traffic management in the state capital.