Lagos State Government, NPA, and Nigeria Police Collaborate to Ease Traffic and Enhance Port Operations
In a strategic move to address the longstanding issue of traffic congestion and extortion of truckers around the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports, a joint task force comprising the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Police has initiated the removal of all illegally abandoned vehicles along the access roads to these vital seaports.
The enforcement operations, which began on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, are part of a comprehensive effort to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and align with the Federal Government’s directive on enhancing the ease of doing business at the ports. The chaotic gridlock in the Apapa port area had previously impeded trade and compelled businesses to relocate.
Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), revealed this development in a statement issued on Thursday. According to Taofiq, the decision to remove illegally parked or abandoned trailers was made following the expiration of a “Removal Order” issued to drivers.
The enforcement team, led by Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA, has successfully removed over 18 trailers, signaling the government’s commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance stance on gridlocks and indiscipline. The operations will be an ongoing exercise to curb the excesses of trailer drivers and restore order along key access roads such as Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise, and the Mile 2 axis.
Mr. Oreagba emphasized that the Lagos State Government is resolute in ensuring a smooth ride for every motorist from the Port Gate inward to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, not limited to trailers carrying containers. The government has consistently engaged with petroleum tanker/trailer drivers and other transport stakeholders to promote discipline on the roads.
Motorists and road users are urged to take ownership of the road and report any broken down or abandoned trailers/tankers to LASTMA through the provided hotlines (08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928593). Mr. Oreagba reaffirmed that contravening trailers/tankers would be promptly charged to court in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
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