Trucks Disregard Sanwo-Olu’s Traffic Directives

Trucks Disregard Sanwo-Olu’s Traffic Directives

The Oshodi-Apapa expressway and its surroundings experienced significant disruptions yesterday as oil tankers and container drivers engaged in indiscriminate parking, leaving motorists and road users stranded for hours. The gridlock extended from Second Rainbow down to Berger Yard, affecting traffic flow towards Coconut and the ports axis……...CONTINUE READING

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This incident occurred despite Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive against the indiscriminate parking of trucks, tankers, and articulated vehicles on highways and bridges in the state. The governor had issued a vacation order, but the situation on the Oshodi-Apapa expressway showed a clear defiance of this directive.

Motorists faced prolonged delays as they navigated through the traffic, with the Oshodi-Apapa expressway virtually shut down by tanker drivers. Notably, the Special Joint Traffic Team and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), established to manage traffic as per the governor’s directive, were conspicuously absent during the crisis.

Authorities attributed the gridlock to road construction and the operations of oil depots in the area. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, and LASTMA officials emphasized the need for tankers to allow at least one lane for other users, warning that non-compliance would result in impoundment.

According to Mr. Peter Gbejemede, Director of Operations at LASTMA, the traffic congestion around Mile-2 was exacerbated by road construction at Agofure inward Oshodi, diverting traffic to Signal Barrack for those coming from Maza-Maza and Berger Bridge for those coming from Festac.

Motorists expressed frustration over the situation, with some spending several hours in the gridlock. The lack of law enforcement presence and the apparent disregard for the governor’s directive led to increased dissatisfaction among road users.

The economic impact of the continuous gridlock was highlighted by Mr. Lucky Amiwero, the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents. He estimated losses exceeding N100 billion monthly, attributing the problem to persistent occupation of roads by petrol tankers and containers.

Observers noted that some tank farms had inadequate parking spaces, while others flouted regulations. The situation was further exacerbated by tanker and truck owners without specific destinations, occupying roads permanently. Despite efforts by the Lagos state government’s enforcement team, led by LASTMA, the issue persisted, and the oil tankers and container drivers returned to the roads shortly after impoundments.

This recurring problem calls for robust and sustained efforts in enforcing regulations, ensuring adequate infrastructure, and addressing the root causes of the gridlock to prevent further economic losses and inconvenience to the public.

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