The Lagos State Government is taking proactive measures to enhance traffic management and safety along the Lekki-Epe corridor by implementing a new call-up system in collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Dangote Group and various labor unions such as the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers. The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, addressed concerns raised in recent media reports, affirming that the call-up system is being meticulously fine-tuned to create an effective transportation framework aimed at alleviating congestion and improving safety. The system seeks to address and prevent the bottlenecks that have historically plagued Apapa, which has been a hotspot for traffic congestion due to the overwhelming movement of trucks.
As part of this initiative, Osiyemi highlighted that extensive training for key stakeholders is already in progress, ensuring that members of relevant unions gain hands-on experience with the software that underpins the system. Notably, the effort will encompass all free trade zones in the region, including the Lekki Deep Seaport and Lekki Free Trade Zone, with an emphasis on integrating these areas into the new operational framework. This step reflects a comprehensive approach to creating a seamless transportation network that benefits not only the freight industry but also the surrounding residential communities affected by traffic challenges.
Sola Giwa, the Governor’s Special Assistant on Transportation, articulated that lessons from the call-up system used at the Apapa/Tincan corridor will inform a more effective rollout for the Lekki area. Giwa stated that his firsthand experience with the Apapa Port system highlighted the necessity of aligning all stakeholders’ goals to prevent past missteps. The objective is that under the new call-up system, all involved parties are synchronized in their roles, ensuring that the operational launch is smooth and beneficial to all users.
Mr. Timi Koleolu, Managing Director of Call Technology Services Limited, underscored the readiness for deployment of the call-up system but emphasized the crucial nature of collaboration among stakeholders. By committing to work closely with all parties, Koleolu aims to ensure that the system is capable of handling the unique complexities associated with the Lekki-Epe corridor. This level of careful planning and cooperation is seen as vital to circumvent the challenges that unregulated truck movements have historically posed to both businesses and residents alike.
The Lagos State Government has recognized the urgency of addressing the frequent accidents and disruptions stemming from uncontrolled truck activities in the Lekki-Epe corridor. Local businesses and residents have expressed ongoing concerns regarding the safety risks and inconveniences caused by erratic transportation patterns, which have sparked community outcry for regulatory reforms. Implementing the new call-up system is intended to directly respond to these grievances, with officials hopeful that it will result in a marked improvement in both traffic management and overall safety in the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area.
Ultimately, the call-up system is part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate and modernize traffic management protocols in Lagos State, exhibiting the government’s commitment to improving logistics and transportation infrastructure. By leveraging technology and stakeholder collaboration, the government aims to cultivate a more organized and efficient transportation landscape, thereby enhancing the quality of life for residents and the operational climate for businesses in the affected areas. The initiative is positioned not only as a solution to current issues but as a forward-thinking model for sustainable transportation management in the future.
