By Christopher Oji
Lagos State Government in conjunction with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigeria Police Force have began the removal of illegally parked and abandoned trailers within Apapa and its environs.
The strick enforcement of the operation is to clear the gridlock caused by team the vehicles and to ease flow of traffic on the commercial route.
In a statement issued by Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, he explained that the decision which was taken after the expiration of a ‘Removal Order’ issued to trailer drivers would ensure general safety of motorists and allow unimpeded free flow of traffic around the entire Apapa axis.
According to Taofiq, ” the General Manager of the LASTMA , Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, who led the combined enforcement team which commenced on Tuesday, 10th of October, 2023,has disclosed that over 18 trailers have so far been removed in accordance with the government’s zero tolerance to gridlocks and indiscipline.
“Mr. Oreagba added that the enforcement operation which would be a continuous exercise was to checkmate the excesses of trailer drivers and restore sanity around Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, down to Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise and Mile 2 axis.
” According to Oreagba, Lagos State Government, being a responsible and responsive one, will ensure that motorists will have a smooth ride from the Port Gate inwards Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and not only trailers carrying containers.”
” He said that efforts had been made in the past to restore sanity and bring back the glory of Apapa, which had been truncated by the indiscipline attitude of trailer drivers.
” According to Oreagba, series of meetings have been held with the Petroleum tanker/trailer drivers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and other stakeholders to educate their members and ensure that they desist from indiscriminate parking and being indiscipline on the road.
“All tanker/ trailer drivers are advised to adhere strictly to the new directive, as the government will not hesitate to enforce traffic rules and regulations to the letter.
“Oreagba, however,called on motorists including other road users to take possession of the road and not hesitate to inform LASTMA of any broken down or abandoned trailers/ tankers via the Agency’s hotlines. (08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928593)
“He maintained that all contravened trailers/ tankers would be impounded and their drivers will be immediately charged to Court in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018”.
