- To coordinate entry and exit for cargo trucks
- Set to avert repeat of Apapa gridlock
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Lagos State Government has formally launched an advanced e-call-up system designed to streamline and regulate the movement of trucks within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
Hon. Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, revealed that Ministry of transportation officials held discussions with key stakeholders, including Pinnacle, Dangote, Lagos Free Trade Zone, Lekki Ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA), ahead of the system’s final unveiling.
Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA disclosed this in a statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday.
There had been controversy over the electronics call-up truck management system introduced by the Lagos State Government to prevent a repeat of Apapa port gridlock in the Lekki Port corridor especially with the commencement of operation of Dangote refinery.
The initiative had in September hit the rocks as key stakeholders disagreed on implementation several years after the programme was initiated.
The two key stakeholders are Lagos State Government which is the owner and driver of the initiative, and Dangote Group, the dominant operator on the corridor.
The state government wants to on-board every stakeholder operating in that axis on the call-up system, Dangote Group said it could not come onboard because governmnent did not provide adequate truck park capacity.
Already, following the commencement of mainstream operations at the Dangote Refinery, truck operators had increased exponentially without the commencement of the system or alternative provision to address the traffic challenges on a temporal basis.
Dangote Refinery indicated that it could have provided adequate truck park capacity before commencing operations, according to the initial plan it had, but lamented that the state government dissuaded it on grounds that the state was already set to provide the facility.
With this latest development, collaborative engagement has been pivotal in aligning all parties for the seamless adoption and operationalization of the e-call-up system, symbolizing a collective commitment to the initiative.
Giwa further confirmed that, under his leadership, the government will oversee the enforcement of traffic regulations and the effective implementation of the e-call-up system, ensuring smooth coordination of entry and exit for both wet and dry cargo trucks. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and alleviate congestion within the Free Trade Zone.
“My office is firmly dedicated to proactively addressing the challenges arising from the heightened truck activities within the Lekki Free Zone.
“Through the deployment of this system and our concerted efforts with stakeholders, we are committed to creating a structured, efficient environment that will promote growth for both businesses and residents.”
The Governor’s aide underscored that this initiative marks a significant step towards sustainable development for the region, affirming the Ibeju-Lekki axis as a premier destination for commercial and real estate investment.
