Lagos State Government has imposed restriction on truck drivers within the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and other parts of the state
This was made known in a statement by Gboyega Akosile, the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, 28 January, 2021.
According to the state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, Truck drivers would ply routes in the state only between 9 pm and 6 am daily.
He noted that the move was crucial to ease the traffic gridlock especially along the Apapa axis of the state.
“The Lagos State Government has proposed the implementation of route restrictions for trailer and truck drivers operating within the State, while their movement periods are restricted to night time.
“The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, announced that the current administration has mapped out dedicated routes to be plied between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am daily.
“He elaborated that the move was necessary as the Apapa in Lagos has been rendered less profitable for investors due to the gridlock and activities of truck drivers along the axis, appealing to the stakeholders to cooperate with the State Government to remedy the situation.
“Oladeinde urged them to put aside their sentiments and think of other motoring public as the policy is not meant to cause rancour, but geared towards opening up the State for greater economic realities.”
“The Commissioner implored the stakeholders to see issues raised as work in progress while noting that discussions with the unions are ongoing until the grey areas are cleared.”
Series of criminalities have been perpetrated in and around the Apapa-Oshodi expressway, including rape, theft and kidnapping owing to traffic gridlock experienced around the area.
Recall Vanguard had reported how President Buhari gave a 72hour ultimatum to truck drivers to vacate the area which eventually yielded no result.
Upon assumption of office in 2019, Governor Sanwo-Olu also visited the area with the promise to ease the traffic situation but the situation has remained unchanged ever since.
Source: Vanguard