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…Moves Vehicle Inspection Bill, Demands Stronger Enforcement, Public Awareness
The Kwara State House of Assembly has intensified its legislative intervention on issues affecting public safety, traffic management and the wellbeing of residents, calling for urgent action to address indiscriminate trailer parking and unhealthy food preservation practices across the state.
The interventions formed part of the decisions reached during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Engr. Yakubu Danladi Salihu.
In a move aimed at protecting the safety and accessibility of the area around the legislative complex, the House considered a Matter of General Public Importance on the indiscriminate parking of trailers and heavy-duty vehicles along the road leading to the Kwara State House of Assembly.
Raising the matter, Hon. Yusuf Abdulwaheed Gbenga expressed concern that the increasing presence of trailers along the route was obstructing the free flow of traffic and creating inconvenience for lawmakers, staff, visitors and other road users.
He also drew attention to the security implications of the development, stressing that the road serves as an important access route to the seat of the Legislature and should remain accessible to security and emergency response personnel.
While acknowledging the economic activities associated with the movement of grains to OLAM Grains, the lawmaker stressed the need for such activities to be conducted in an orderly manner without compromising public safety or the accessibility of the Assembly complex.
The House, after contributions from Hon. Bello Yinusa Oniboki, Hon. Yusuf Maryam Aladi, Hon. Ganiyu Folabi Salau and Hon. Muhammed Kareem Musa, urged the Kwara State Road Traffic Management Authority to urgently clear the road.
It further called for trailers waiting to access the company to be directed to the designated trailer park along Eiyenkorin Road, while urging OLAM and trailer operators to adopt a more organised system for the movement, loading and offloading of vehicles.
Assembly Advances Vehicle Inspection Reform
In another demonstration of its legislative focus on effective regulation and road safety, the House commenced consideration of the Road Traffic and Vehicle Inspection Services Bill, 2026.
The Bill, which seeks to provide a legal framework for vehicle inspection services in Kwara State and other related matters, was moved by Hon. Ojo Olayiwola Oyebode and seconded by Hon. Magaji Oba Abdulkadir.
The Bill passed First Reading after the Clerk of the House read it before the lawmakers.
The Clerk was directed to circulate copies to members in preparation for Second Reading, while the Bill was referred to the Business and Rules Committee for appropriate scheduling.
The development underscores the Assembly’s continuing legislative efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks that can contribute to safer roads and improved public services in the state.
Kwara Assembly Tackles Unhealthy Food Practices
The House also demonstrated concern for public health by calling for intensified awareness and enforcement against unsafe food preservation practices.
The call followed a Motion on Notice on the Need for Awareness and Sensitisation to Curb Unhealthy Food Preservation in Kwara State, moved by Hon. Ogunniyi David Sheun and seconded by Hon. Arinola Fatimoh Lawal.
Ogunniyi expressed concern over reports of some food vendors using potentially harmful substances in preserving food and accelerating the ripening of fruits.
He stressed the need for sustained public education and stronger monitoring to protect residents from avoidable health risks.
The motion received contributions from Hon. Muhammed Kareem Musa, Hon. Yusuf Maryam Aladi, Hon. Bamigboye Joseph Olajire and Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba.
Consequently, the House urged the Kwara State Government, through the Ministry of Health, to strengthen collaboration with NAFDAC and other relevant agencies for regular inspections and enforcement in markets across the state.
It also called for a comprehensive public sensitisation campaign involving the Ministries of Information and Communications and Health, the State Environmental Protection Agency and other stakeholders.
The campaign is expected to utilise radio, television, social media, town criers, religious institutions and schools to educate residents on the dangers of unsafe food preservation and promote safer alternatives.
The House equally encouraged citizens to report suspected violations to the appropriate authorities and patronise hygienic food sources.
The plenary was subsequently adjourned following a motion moved by the House Leader, Hon. Magaji Oba Abdulkadir, and seconded by Hon. Rukayat Motunrayo Shittu.
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