The Director-General of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Dr. Benjamin Essien Okiemute (Rtd), has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to professional, technology-driven and people-centred traffic management aimed at improving road safety and service delivery across the state.
Speaking during a live phone-in programme, Quest Parliament, on Quest Radio/TV, Okiemute said the agency is undergoing reforms focused on strengthening professionalism, enhancing staff capacity and deploying technology to improve operational efficiency.
He commended DESTMA personnel for their dedication, noting that they continue to manage traffic under challenging conditions to ensure the free flow of vehicles and the safety of road users.
The DESTMA boss said the agency is open to public suggestions, including adopting digital systems to track traffic offenders and maintain electronic records, adding that such innovations will be introduced as technological infrastructure improves.
Okiemute disclosed that continuous training and retraining of personnel remain a priority, while efforts are also being made to expand the agency’s operational coverage, particularly within the Asaba metropolis.
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He clarified that DESTMA officers do not conduct routine checks on vehicle documents, explaining that driver’s licences are requested only after a traffic offence has been established. According to him, the process has led to the discovery of several fake driver’s licences.
The Director-General also condemned attacks on traffic officers, revealing that seven DESTMA personnel are currently receiving treatment after being assaulted while carrying out their duties. He warned that assaults on officers would not be tolerated but urged members of the public to report any cases of misconduct for appropriate disciplinary action.
Okiemute further disclosed that the agency has intensified public awareness campaigns to educate motorists on traffic regulations and promote voluntary compliance.
On the activities of the newly introduced DESTMA Marshals, he said they were recruited under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s reform agenda to strengthen the agency’s workforce and improve traffic management. He added that the marshals undergo regular operational training before deployment.
The DESTMA boss also appealed to residents to promptly report road obstructions, broken-down vehicles, and other traffic emergencies, stressing that stronger collaboration between the public and the agency is essential to achieving safer and more efficient road transportation across Delta State.
