Removal of 18 trailers from the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway

The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Police, has initiated a rigorous enforcement campaign targeting the unauthorized parking or abandonment of trailers in the Apapa area and its surrounding vicinity.

This is even as 18 trailers have so far been removed in conformity with the government’s zero tolerance for gridlocks and indiscipline.

According to a statement provided by Mr. Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the decision to enforce the removal of trailer drivers in the Apapa axis was made in order to prioritize the safety of motorists and facilitate smooth traffic flow. This decision was implemented following the expiration of a 'Removal Order' that had been issued to the trailer driver.

Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), headed the joint enforcement team that initiated operations on Tuesday, October 10, 2023. 

He revealed that the purpose of these ongoing enforcement activities is to curb the misconduct of trailer drivers and reinstate orderliness in the areas encompassing Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise, and the Mile 2 axis.

According to Oreagba, the Lagos State Government, being characterized by its responsible and responsive nature, will strive to create a seamless commuting experience for all motorists, extending beyond trailers transporting containers, along the route from the Port Gate to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

According to the speaker, previous attempts have been undertaken to restore order and revive the former prestige of Apapa, which had been disrupted by the undisciplined behavior exhibited by trailer drivers.

Oreagba states that there have been multiple meetings conducted with the petroleum tanker/trailer drivers division of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, as well as other relevant transportation entities, with the objective of educating their members and promoting adherence to proper parking practices and road discipline.

Tanker and trailer drivers are strongly recommended to strictly comply with the recently issued order, as the government will not hesitate to rigorously enforce traffic rules and regulations.

Oreagba, meanwhile, urged motorists and other road users to assume responsibility for the road and promptly notify the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) of any instances involving inoperable or abandoned trailers/tankers by utilizing the designated agency hotlines. The provided sequence of numbers (08100565860, 08129928515, 08129928593) is a set of numerical identifiers.

The speaker asserted that any trucks or tankers found to be in violation will be promptly taken to court for legal proceedings in compliance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.