Matawalle suspends Zamfara Road Traffic Agency over excesses

Governor Bello Muhammad Matawalle of Zamfara state on Thursday approved the suspension of the state Road Traffic Agency (ZAROTA) after excessive public complaints against the activities of the agency’s personnel.

ZAROTA’s activities will henceforth be overseen by a joint task force of police, vehicle inspection office, Federal Road Safety Commission and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, announced Yakubu Haidara, permanent secretary of cabinet affairs.

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“His Excellency has further directed for setting up of a committee to review the conduct of the officials of the organisation”

“In view of this, people are advised to be law-abiding and conduct themselves according to the law,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, truck drivers had earlier on Thursday blocked Gusau- Zaria road protesting what they called excessive money extortion by the officials of the agency in the state.

Many commuters including students from the Federal University Gusau were left stranded following the blockade.

Leaders of the truck drivers said they took the decision after their several complaints against the activities of the officials of the agency fell on deaf ears.

The Agency was established by former Governor Abdulaziz Yari to provide traffic control and enforce regulations governing road travels in the state.

However in recent time, complaints have mounted on how the officials of the agency were abusing their powers