Plateau government cracks down on road blockages by religious centres

In a bid to tackle traffic congestion and ensure public safety, the Plateau State government has banned road blockages by all religious centres in the state.

The directive mandates religious centres to provide alternative parking arrangements and obtain building approvals from the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB).

The ban aims to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure public safety, according to letters addressed to the state chairmen of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).

The letters, signed by Hart Bankat, General Manager of JMDB and obtained by BusinessDay on Monday in Jos emphasised the need for religious centres to manage vehicular traffic and ensure proper parking arrangements.

The letter noted that the government has urged spiritual leaders to advise their members to comply with the directive, which is part of the implementation of Executive Order 003 signed on March 1, 2024.

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“Following Executive Order 003 signed by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on March 1, 2024, for the control of building and vehicular traffic, I convey the ban on blockage of access roads. All worship centres should provide appropriate parking spaces off the main roads during worship times for their congregants,” part of the letter stated.

It added that the measure is part of the state government’s broader efforts to enhance urban management and ensure efficient use of public infrastructure.
Religious centres are now required to provide building approvals issued by JMDB to avoid penalties.

It also said the government has solicited the support of spiritual leaders in ensuring that their members comply with the directive.

“All worship centres should provide building approvals issued by JMDB to avoid penalties. The government solicits the support of spiritual leaders in advising their members to be law-abiding citizens and comply with the laid-down laws”.

By banning road blockages, Plateau State aims to create a safer and more efficient environment for all citizens.

Nathaniel Gbaoron

Nathaniel E. Gbaoron is the Plateau State correspondent for BusinessDay and a seasoned journalist with a decade of experience covering sub-national affairs across Taraba, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, and other states. He holds both National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication from Fidel Polytechnic, Gboko. Over the years, he has participated in numerous media trainings and workshops spanning various areas of reporting, strengthening his expertise in economic and political reporting, community-level governance, development stories, and conflict-sensitive journalism. He is a member of Correspondent Chapel in Plateau state, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he is also a Rotarian and a member of Plateau Club 1921.