Lagos moves to tackle renewed Apapa, Lekki-Epe traffic gridlock

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Government has convened a stakeholders’ meeting to address the renewed traffic gridlock affecting Apapa, Lekki-Epe and the Lekki Free Trade Zone corridors.

The meeting, held on Thursday, was chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, who said the government was reviewing the factors responsible for the worsening congestion and working with relevant stakeholders on sustainable solutions.

Musa specifically warned against the indiscriminate parking of articulated trucks along the Lekki-Epe corridor, saying the practice was obstructing the free movement of vehicles and causing hardship for residents, commuters and other road users.

He said the government would intensify enforcement to prevent roads from being turned into makeshift truck parks, while urging truck operators to comply with established traffic regulations and operational procedures.

The stakeholders identified several operational and infrastructure-related factors contributing to the renewed congestion across the affected corridors.

Among them was the unauthorised movement of trucks from unregistered parks into the port environment, as well as difficulties experienced by trucks heading to bonded terminals after 6:00 p.m., which stakeholders said was contributing to congestion within terminal facilities.

The meeting also examined challenges associated with the Epe Electronic Call-Up System, particularly situations where trucks that had been duly called up were unable to access the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

Stakeholders further called for an upgrade of the Electronic Call-Up System at the Apapa ports to achieve a more seamless and comprehensive automation of truck movement.

They also identified the indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles along major traffic corridors as a major factor worsening congestion and disrupting logistics operations.

According to the stakeholders, the combined effect of the challenges has placed additional pressure on available road infrastructure, with consequences for businesses, logistics operators, residents and other road users in the affected communities.

The meeting therefore agreed on the need for coordinated measures to address the identified challenges and restore smoother traffic movement along the Apapa and Lekki-Epe corridors.

Those in attendance included the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, senior officials of the agency, representatives of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners operating along the Lekki and Apapa corridors, representatives of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), the Shoppers Council and other relevant stakeholders.

The statement was signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA.