DESTMA Not Revenue Agency, We Exist to Protect Road Users – DG

The Director-General of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Hon. Dr. Benjamin Essien Okiemute NN Rtd. (FNIIS), has clarified that the agency was established primarily to enforce traffic discipline, maintain order and protect road users, rather than generate revenue for the Delta State Government.

Dr. Okiemute made the clarification during a live phone-in programme on Trend 100.9 FM in Asaba, where he explained the statutory mandate, operational structure and ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the agency.

According to him, DESTMA’s official motto, “Enforcing a disciplined driving culture,” reflects the core vision and philosophy guiding its operations across Delta State.

The DESTMA boss also highlighted the agency’s efforts to improve the professionalism and conduct of its personnel, disclosing that officers undergo three months of foundational training before deployment.

He said the agency had also introduced regular internal engagements to reinforce compliance with standard operating procedures.

“We have twice-a-week pep talks every Monday and Thursday for all operational beats across the zones, where the Director of Operations reminds officers of our standard operating procedures,” he said.

“You can attest to the fact that within my one year and six months in office, the DESTMA of today is not the DESTMA of the past.”

While acknowledging that some officers could occasionally become overzealous in the course of their duties, Dr. Okiemute said the management had adopted a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct and continued to take corrective measures against personnel who violated the agency’s standards.

He disclosed that DESTMA had established specialised internal units as part of its ongoing reforms. These include the Provost Unit, responsible for internal discipline, officer grooming and supervision of personnel, as well as the Intelligence Unit, which collates operational data and produces strategic reports to support other security agencies.

The DG added that DESTMA Marshalls had also been deployed to areas experiencing manpower shortages to assist with traffic management pending further recruitment.

Responding to complaints that the agency was overly punitive, Dr. Okiemute said DESTMA’s primary objective was preventive traffic management and not punishment.

He claimed that video evidence from the agency’s operations had helped resolve many complaints against its officers, noting that about 70 per cent of complaints reportedly did not stand after review of the available evidence.

“Our video evidence has vindicated most of our officers. When the tape is played, offenders easily own up to their offence,” he said.

On allegations of bribery and extortion, the DESTMA DG said both motorists and officers had a responsibility to uphold the law, noting that some motorists attempt to induce officers in a bid to avoid established administrative procedures.

He stressed that DESTMA operates within the legal framework establishing the agency, drawing on his experience as a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly who participated in the enactment of laws governing the authority.

Dr. Okiemute further clarified that fines imposed for traffic violations are not paid directly to DESTMA, explaining that payments are made through designated official government bank accounts managed by the Office of the Accountant-General.

He added that traffic offences are handled through mobile court proceedings, where magistrates exercise judicial discretion in determining applicable penalties.

The DESTMA boss also announced the completion of a modern vehicle impound lot within the agency’s premises, describing the facility as a major milestone in the authority’s ongoing transformation.

According to him, the facility makes Delta State the third state in Nigeria to have a dedicated and secure vehicle impound facility.

Dr. Okiemute expressed appreciation to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his support towards the development of DESTMA, while also commending the Board Chairman, High Chief Peter Idion, members of the board, directors and staff of the authority for their contributions to the agency’s ongoing rebranding and repositioning efforts.