By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Ahead of the E-Call Up System commencement along Lekki-Epe corridor, Lagos State Government, truck operators and other stakeholders have expressed readiness for the implementation and compliance with the strategic traffic technology-driven solution of truck movements in the axis.

The e-call-up system is set to commence on Monday, September 23, 2024.

The parties expressed this at a stakeholders’ forum held in Alausa, Ikeja.

State commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olawale Musa, led the meeting which include: Chairman Ibeju-Lekki, LCDA, General Manager, Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, Directors in the Ministry of Transportation.

The meeting held at the Ministry’s Conference Room, Osiyemi explained aimed to create more awareness for truck operators, park representatives and investors in alignment with the e-call-up system.

“It was agreed at the meeting to; create more trainings around the e-call up process, upscale advocacy and promote safety of lives and property around the Lekki-Epe corridor,” the commissioner stated.

Recall that State Government had recently announced plans to commence the e-call up system within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor from September 23, 2024, next week Monday, for effective and efficient management of truck movements.

The measure has become unnecessary in anticipation of a high influx of articulated trucks along the axis as a result of Dangote Refinery which commenced full operations from Sunday, September 15.

Osiyemi stressed that the measure is targeted to avert severe congestion significantly by articulated truck and improve the efficiency of logistics operations within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor.

The commencement date was earlier extended on stakeholders request to give adequate room for full compliance.

“The e-call up system is ready for implementation for a sustainable, effective, and technology-driven solution of truck movement in the Lekki-Epe Corridor,” Osiyemi stated.

He explained that the application of e-call up system will also help to synchronize movement of trucks assessing the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor, starting from Eleko junction to Lekki Free Trade Zone.

Highlighting the State and Federal Government plans on road network expansion and inter-modal transport systems to streamline vehicular traffic and enhancing free movement in one of Lagos’ most critical economic zones, Osiyemi stressed the e-call system will control the corridor.

Also speaking on the development, Giwa, who is saddled with the enforcement of the e-call up system, mentioned that an interim arrangement has been put in place to decongest the roads through evacuation of all illegal tankers from the red zone by a joint Taskforce of the State, Local Government Areas, LGAs/Local Council Development Areas, LACDAs, Security Agencies and Stakeholders, urging truck operators and logistics companies to comply with the new system to ensure its success.

“The e-call up system, an advanced digital platform, is designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements.

“This system will help prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by the indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor.

“The Lekki-Epe corridor, a key economic hub in Lagos, is home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

“The efficient movement of goods and services in this area is crucial for the state’s economy, making the e-call up system an essential tool for sustainable development,” Giwa stated.