The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Police, has initiated a rigorous enforcement operation to address the issue of illegally parked or abandoned trailers in Apapa and its surrounding areas.
In line with the government’s zero tolerance for gridlocks and indiscipline, a total of 18 trailers have already been removed from the affected areas.
According to Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), this decision was made after the expiration of a ‘Removal Order’ issued to trailer drivers. The aim is to ensure the safety of motorists and facilitate smooth traffic flow throughout the Apapa axis.
Leading the enforcement team, Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA, stated that this operation will be an ongoing effort to curb the excesses of trailer drivers and restore orderliness along Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise, and Mile 2 areas.
Mr. Oreagba emphasized that the Lagos State Government is committed to providing a seamless journey for all motorists, not just those transporting containers. He highlighted previous efforts to restore order and improve the condition of Apapa, which has been negatively affected by the unruly behavior of trailer drivers.
In his words, “Numerous meetings have been held with the petroleum tanker/trailer drivers branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, as well as other transport stakeholders, to educate their members and discourage indiscriminate parking and indiscipline on the roads.”
“All tanker/trailer drivers are strongly advised to comply with the new directive, as the government will not hesitate to enforce traffic rules and regulations to the fullest extent,” added Mr. Oreagba.
Furthermore, Mr. Oreagba urged motorists and other road users to take responsibility for reporting any broken down or abandoned trailers/tankers to LASTMA via the Agency’s hotlines (08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928593). He reiterated that any trailers/tankers found in violation will be promptly brought before the court for prosecution in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
