Yesterday, the Lagos State Government issued a directive to the drivers of articulated vehicles to immediately vacate the Cele bus stop inward Tincan Port axis. The order, according to the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, aims to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and minimize disruptions caused by the persistent presence of these heavy-duty vehicles in the specified location.
Giwa emphasized that the directive is in line with the state government’s commitment to enhancing the overall mobility experience for residents and commuters in the affected area. He stressed the importance of a clear and unobstructed road network, highlighting the need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the public.
Failure to comply with the directive may result in sanctions, in accordance with the State Transport Reform Law. Despite previous efforts to remove tankers and truckers from the axis, drivers have ignored Governor Sanwo-Olu’s previous directive to vacate the area.
In related news, the Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced the establishment of a committee to review the e-Call-Up system into the Apapa Port. The committee, tasked with reviewing the Standard Operating Procedures for Truck Traffic Management along the Lagos port corridor, aims to address the current abuse of the system and ensure its effective functioning.
Recent reports have suggested potential compromises in the functionality of the e-Call-Up system, which was introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority in February 2021 to streamline truck access to the Lagos Ports. The committee, scheduled to meet with critical stakeholders in Lagos today, will thoroughly examine the system and recommend measures to prevent abuse.
These steps are part of the ongoing efforts to reduce the Apapa gridlock and strengthen the e-Call-Up system. The Lagos State Government and the Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy are committed to improving traffic flow, ensuring public safety, and enhancing transportation efficiency in the region.
