.setup monitoring taskforce

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Lekki Local Council Development Area, LCDA, with stakeholders, has expressed readiness to ensure effective and efficient truck movement in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

To this end. a special taskforce had been created to ensure effective monitoring and compliance to the rules of engagements in the axis.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, and the Senior Special Assistant on Transportation Logistics, comrade Hassan Adekoya, led other government officials in a meeting specifically organised for traffic management of fuel tankers and related vehicles operating along the axis.

The meeting, held at the New Eleko Market, was attended by senior government officials, council Chairmen, industry representatives, captains of Industry, transport operators, and community leaders to address growing concerns over traffic congestion and safety risks associated with heavy vehicle movement in the area.

Engr. Abdulahi Olowa, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki LGA, and Engr. Rasak Kasali, the Executive Chairman of Lekki LCDA, were also present.”

Addressing the gathering, Giwa, explained that the meeting created timely opportunity to further inform the people of the axis about the implementation of the E-Call-Up System, noting that the system was designed to streamline and efficiently manage the movement of trucks in and out of the Free Trade Zone.

Giwa also stated that the ministry would continue to collaborate with relevant enforcement agencies to ensure a smooth implementation of the E-Call-Up System, aimed at improving traffic flow, adding that industries within the Zone have already embraced the system and encouraged the community to do same.

“The state government will not tolerate any act of indiscipline from operators along the axis as anyone found wanting would be sanctioned appropriately,” he warned.

Earlier, the State Government had met with operators and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness and compliance level of the newly deployed e call up system within the axis.

State government had initiated the implementation and enforcement of the e-call-up system in the zone to effectively manage the movement of trucks.

Giwa and Adekoya had engaged key stakeholders such as: Pinnacle, Dangote, Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Free Zone, Lekki Port, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area, LCDA.

Giwa, stressed that the initiative is crucial in preventing chaotic traffic conditions and indiscriminate parking, thereby preserving real estate value and ensuring smooth operations along the Ibeju-Lekki axis.

He stated, “Our collective efforts are geared towards maintaining order and efficiency in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

“The compliance level is moving according to plans. With the support of my esteemed team members, including Adekoya whose wealth of experience in the maritime sector will come to bare, we are confident that this e-call-up system will significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce congestion at the end of the day.

“This initiative is a significant step toward sustainable development in the region, ensuring that the Ibeju-Lekki axis remains conducive for commerce and real estate investment.”

Adekoya, in his submission, reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive stakeholder engagement as it gears up to enforce the e-call-up system and restore order around the free trade zone.

According to him, “The Lagos State Government is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where all stakeholders are actively involved in the implementation of the e-call-up system. Our aim is to ensure that as we enforce this system, we fully resume efforts to maintain decency and smooth operations around the Lekki Free Trade Zone.”

Earlier, Olowa, and Kasali, emphasized the need for cooperation among stakeholders to maintain decorum in the axis so that challenges experienced in Apapa would not spring up in Lekki.

Meanwhile, discussions covered key topics such as traffic regulation, safety measures, and potential infrastructure upgrades while emphasis was placed on the roles of stakeholders in following traffic guidelines and minimizing road obstructions.

Participants included representatives from E-Call-Up Technology, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Community Development Associations (CDAs), the Suppliers Association, relevant security and enforcement agencies, among others.