In any case, the Republican Police has been instructed to carry out checks throughout the Greater Nokoué area starting January 1, 2026, the date on which the decree enters into force.
The Minister of Living Environment and Transport, in charge of Sustainable Development, announces:
It has been observed in the Greater Nokoué agglomeration (Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, and Sèmè-Podji) that the circulation of freight vehicles with a total authorized weight exceeding ten (10) tons generates significant nuisances, including:
- accelerated deterioration of road infrastructure, safety equipment, and signage;
- the collapse of culvert slabs and sidewalks due to improper parking, leading to high repair costs;
- frequent involvement in road accidents, endangering other users.
To prevent these inconveniences and ensure a sustainable living environment, the Government has adopted Decree No. 2025-508 of September 3, 2025, regulating heavy vehicle traffic in the Greater Nokoué area. The decree establishes mandatory routes for trucks exceeding ten (10) tons as follows:
Route 1: Port of Cotonou (Heavy Truck Parking) – Zongo – Les Cheminots – Third Bridge – SOBEBRA – Slaughterhouse – Sèmè Junction – Porto-Novo Bridge Exit Junction – Beau-Rivage Junction – Djevali Junction – Akpromissérété Junction;
Route 2: Port of Cotonou (Heavy Truck Parking) – Zongo – UNAFRICA – Étoile Rouge – Cica Toyota – Friendship Stadium – Godomey Interchange – CEG Godomey – Pahou Market – Ahozon Tollgate – Gbèna – Godonoutin;
Route 3: Port of Cotonou (Heavy Truck Parking) – Zongo Junction – RNIE1 Section (UNAFRICA Junction – Étoile Rouge Junction – Cica Toyota Junction – GMK Stadium Junction) – Godomey Interchange – RNIE2 Section (IITA Junction – Kpota Junction – Arconville Junction – Kérékou Junction);
Access to the Agro-Food Platform: Kérékou Junction – Logistics Platform.
Traffic for these vehicles is only authorized between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on the designated routes. It is strictly prohibited outside these corridors—particularly on all secondary urban and service roads—and outside the authorized hours.
In any case, the Republican Police has been instructed to enforce these measures throughout the Greater Nokoué area starting January 1, 2026, the date of entry into force of the decree. Offenders will be subject to the full rigor of the prescribed sanctions.
