DESTMA Pledges Traffic Culture Reform Under New Leadership

The Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has vowed to promote a disciplined traffic culture among road users and improve its operations.

Speaking at the DESTMA headquarters on his first day in office, the agency’s newly appointed Director-General, Benjamin Okiemute, outlined plans to rebrand and reposition the agency in line with the ‘MORE’ agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

According to him, the focus will be on building public trust and addressing the agency’s previously negative perception of being antagonistic toward residents.

“In line with the fourth pillar of the ‘MORE’ agenda, which is enhanced peace and security, we will work to ensure the safety and security of motorists and road users by enforcing and sustaining compliance with traffic rules and regulations,” Okiemute said.

Okiemute also addressed operational challenges, including inadequate tools and logistics, assuring staff that these issues would be resolved. He emphasised that elevating DESTMA to a standard that would make it a model for other state agencies would be a priority.

“Training and re-training of staff will be key to ensuring the agency meets the highest standards,” Okiemute added, stressing that indiscipline would not be tolerated.

To enhance accountability, the new Director-General announced plans to recruit intelligence officers to monitor staff at their duty posts in Asaba, ensuring compliance with operational guidelines.

He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to addressing staff concerns and creating a more efficient, supportive work environment for the agency’s personnel.