ADAPTING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TO MITIGATE ACCIDENTS, CRIME AND CRIMINALITY ALONG BENIN–AUCHI ROAD IN EDO STATE

Abstract

The Benin–Auchi Road remains one of Nigeria's most economically significant federal highways, serving as a major transportation corridor between the southern and northern regions of the country. Despite its strategic importance, the highway has become notorious for frequent road traffic accidents, armed robbery, kidnapping, vehicle breakdowns caused by poor road conditions, and delayed emergency response. This paper argued that the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into highway management presents a sustainable solution for reducing accidents and criminal activities along the corridor. The paper advocated the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered surveillance, drones, emergency communication systems, and predictive data analytics to improve road safety and strengthen security. It concluded that ICT should complement infrastructure rehabilitation, inter-agency collaboration, and community participation in achieving a safer Benin–Auchi Road.