By Providence Ayanfeoluwa
There are indications that activities of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and tank farm operators are contributing to the persistent traffic congestion along the Mile 2-Apapa corridor.
The congestion worsened on Monday, causing delays for motorists, commuters and businesses operating around the Apapa port axis.
A source, who spoke with Vanguard on condition of anonymity, alleged that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) recently held a meeting with security and traffic management agencies, including FRSC and LASTMA, to address the recurring gridlock.
The source said stakeholders agreed that operators along the corridor would be added to a WhatsApp platform where regular situation reports would be shared to aid quick response to traffic challenges.
It was gathered that tank farm operators within the corridor had been directed by relevant authorities to integrate their truck operations into the ETO electronic call-up system designed to regulate truck movement and reduce indiscriminate parking.
However, some operators were said to have failed to comply with the directive, leading to the continued influx of trucks without proper scheduling and worsening congestion.
The source alleged that the traffic management agencies deployed to manage vehicular movement along the corridor had not effectively addressed the situation, thereby contributing to the congestion on roads leading to the ports and tank farms.
According to the source, the situation has continued to affect motorists, commuters and businesses, with many spending several hours daily on the affected routes.
The source maintained that full compliance with the ETO system by all tank farm operators would improve truck scheduling, restore order and reduce pressure on the road network.
The authorities were urged to enforce compliance with the electronic call-up system and strengthen monitoring activities along the Apapa corridor.
The source said:
“There was a meeting recently with all the security agencies and stakeholders operating along the Apapa port corridor. A WhatsApp group was created so that there could be updates on activities on that axis.
“Once we get wind of any obstruction, the security agencies would be alerted to take action to restore orderliness along the axis.
“The tankers are not coming into the port. They are going to the tank farms and they have been advised to join the ETO system, but they refused. That is why you see that there is beginning to be a lot of traffic on that axis.”
