The Presidency has ordered the immediate clearing up of the Apapa gridlock
This directive follows an emergency meeting convened by President Mohammadu Buhari and chaired by Vice President Prof Osinbajo on the 25th of April, 2019.
The meeting discussed and proffered lasting solutions to the gridlock around the Lagos Ports, as the traffic congestion has continued to restrict all operations and livelihood in the area.
The resolution order adopted at tge meeting was released in a statement posted on the Presidency’s official Twitter handle.
“NOTICE: A Presidential directive has been issued for the immediate clearing up of the Apapa gridlock and the restoration of law and order to Apapa and its environs within 2 weeks.
The directive mandates the immediate removal of all trucks from the bridges and roads within Apapa and all adjoining streets leading into the Apapa axis.
To facilitate this important assignment, operators of trucks and tankers have also been directed to vacate the Port Access Roads within the next 72 hours.
At the meeting were key heads and representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, including the Honourable Minister of FMPWH, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamuu.
Also present were representatives of the Chief of NigerianNavy Staff, Rear Admiral B.E.E Ibe-Enwo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Salaam Taiwo Olufemi; and the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority Dr. Sokonte Davies.
Consequently, a Presidential Taskforce, chaired by Vice President Osinbajo was established to restore law and order to the area within 2 weeks.
The Taskforce, which will report directly to the President, has included on its Terms of Reference the development of an efficient and effective management plan for the entire port area traffic, including the cargo, fuel distribution and business district traffic; enforcing the permanent removal of all stationary trucks on the highway, and the development of an effective manual truck call-up system, pending the introduction of the electronic truck call-up system.
It also includes the implementation of a workable Empty Container Return and Export Container Truck Handling Policy, amongst others.
Members of the taskforce include Mr. Kayode Opeifa, former Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State, as the Executive Vice Chairman; a representative of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC); Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Other members include a special unit of the Nigerian Police led by a Commissioner of Police, representatives of the Truck Transport Union, the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, and other relevant MDAs.
The Nigerian Navy and all other military formations have also been mandated to withdraw from traffic management duties in and around the Apapa axis, while military and paramilitary checkpoints in front of the ports and environs are to be dismantled.
In addition, LASTMA has been authorised to move into Apapa as the lead traffic management agency, while Nigerian Ports is to commence the immediate use of the Lilypond Terminal and Trailer Park A as a truck transit park.
The directive further mandates compliance by all security personnel and MDAs, while heads of Nigerian Ports, Nigerian Customs, FMPWH, and all other security operatives are to ensure their officers’ adherence to the new directives.”
This is coming few days after the Lagos State governor-elect, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said he will end the Apapa gridlock within the first 60 days of his administration.