A concerted effort by the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Police is now underway to crack down on the problem of illegally parked or abandoned trailers in the Apapa area and its vicinity.
This comes as the government’s determination to eliminate traffic snarls and disobedience remains resolute, resulting in the removal of 18 trailers thus far.
Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA, clarified in a statement that this decision, made after the ‘Removal Order’ for trailer drivers expired, aims to guarantee the safety of all motorists and enable the smooth, uninterrupted flow of traffic throughout the Apapa area.
Under the leadership of Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), an integrated enforcement task force initiated operations on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
These continuous enforcement measures aim to address the infractions of trailer drivers and restore order along various locations, including Creek Road, the Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, up to Tin-Can’s first and second Gates, Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise, and the Mile 2 corridor.
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Oreagba said: ‘The Lagos State Government, being a responsible and responsive one, will ensure that every motorists have a smooth ride from the Port Gate inwards Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and not only trailers carrying containers.’
According to him, there have been past initiatives to bring back order and restore the former glory of Apapa, which had been eroded by the indisciplined actions 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, other transport 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.’
However, Oreagba emphasised the importance of motorists and other road users considering the road as their own and promptly notifying LASTMA about any broken down or abandoned trailers/tankers using the Agency’s hotlines: 08100565860, 08129928515, and 08129928593.
He stated that all trailers and tankers that violate regulations will be expeditiously taken to court for prosecution, in compliance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law from 2018.