The Lagos State Government has convened a stakeholders’ meeting to address renewed traffic congestion along the Apapa and Lekki-Epe corridors, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone axis.
The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, who chaired the meeting on Thursday, said government would intensify enforcement against indiscriminate parking of articulated trucks.
Musa said indiscriminate parking of trucks along the Lekki-Epe corridor was obstructing traffic flow and causing inconvenience to residents, commuters and other road users.
“Government will not allow road infrastructure to become makeshift truck parks.
“Operators must comply with established traffic regulations and operational protocols,” he said.
Musa said trucks from unregistered parks were gaining unauthorised access to the port environment, contributing to the renewed congestion.
He added that trucks destined for bonded terminals could not exit the port after 6.00 p.m., causing congestion within terminal facilities.
“The meeting further identified operational challenges associated with the Epe Electronic Call-Up System, which sometimes prevent duly called-up trucks from accessing the Lekki Deep Sea Port.
“The meeting called for an upgrade of the Apapa Ports Electronic Call-Up System to facilitate seamless automation and improve traffic management around the ports.
“Stakeholders also observed that indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles along strategic corridors was restricting road capacity and worsening congestion across the affected areas,” he said.
Stakeholders at the meeting noted that the combined challenges were putting pressure on available road infrastructure, disrupting logistics operations and affecting residents and businesses within the affected communities.
They consequently resolved to strengthen collaboration among relevant agencies and operators towards finding sustainable solutions to traffic challenges along the affected corridors.
The meeting was attended by LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, top management officials, maritime truck owners and representatives of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency, among others.
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