Lagos Govt Moves to Tackle Renewed Apapa, Lekki-Epe Traffic Gridlock

 Lagos Govt Moves to Tackle Renewed Apapa, Lekki-Epe Traffic Gridlock

The Lagos State Government has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to address the renewed traffic gridlock affecting Apapa, Lekki-Epe and the Lekki Free Trade Zone corridors, with a focus on truck movements, port access and enforcement of traffic regulations.

The meeting, chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, was held to examine the emerging challenges responsible for the worsening traffic situation and develop sustainable measures to restore free movement along the affected corridors.

Musa, while addressing stakeholders, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to intensifying regulatory and enforcement measures against the indiscriminate parking of articulated trucks along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

He described the practice as a major impediment to traffic flow, noting that it creates significant difficulties for residents, commuters and other road users.

The Permanent Secretary warned that the government would not allow road infrastructure to be converted into makeshift truck parks, stressing that truck operators must comply with existing traffic regulations and operational protocols.

During the meeting, stakeholders identified several interconnected operational and infrastructural challenges contributing to the resurgence of traffic congestion in the affected areas.

Among the issues highlighted were the unauthorised movement of trucks from unregistered or unapproved parks into the port environment, as well as the inability of trucks destined for bonded terminals to exit the port after 6:00 p.m.

Stakeholders noted that the restriction has contributed to a build-up of trucks within terminal facilities, further worsening congestion around the port corridors.

They also raised concerns over persistent operational challenges associated with the Epe Electronic Call-Up System, particularly instances where trucks that have been duly called up are unable to gain access to the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

The meeting further identified the need to upgrade the Electronic Call-Up System at the Apapa Ports to achieve more seamless and comprehensive automation of truck movements.

The indiscriminate parking of articulated vehicles along strategic traffic corridors was also identified as a major factor aggravating congestion and disrupting vehicular movement.

Stakeholders observed that the combined effect of the operational and infrastructural challenges has placed significant pressure on available road infrastructure, disrupted logistics operations and negatively affected residents and businesses within the affected communities.

They consequently agreed on the need for coordinated interventions to address the identified challenges and improve traffic management across the Apapa and Lekki-Epe corridors.

The meeting was attended by the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki; top management officials of LASTMA; representatives of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners operating along the Lekki and Apapa corridors; representatives of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA); representatives of the Shoppers Council; and other relevant stakeholders.

The meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Government to strengthen traffic management and ensure smoother movement of people and goods along the state’s major port and industrial corridors.