The Lagos State Government has reached an agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority to streamline checkpoints along the Apapa/Tincan axis as part of efforts by the present administration to eliminate traffic gridlock and curb illegal extortion in the area.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting with Transport Unions, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka, declared that the State Government will enforce zero tolerance on illegal extortion and activities of miscreants along the corridor through Special Mobile Courts created to address the identified challenges.
Fayinka also explained that in streamlining the corridor, illegal extortion points will be disbanded and the agencies charged with the role of managing traffic flow along the axis have been clearly defined and assigned to prevent any illegal activity that can hinder the smooth port operations for all stakeholders.
The Special Adviser further stated that trucks will no longer be stopped for ETO at Ijora Badia (LPC axis), Mile 2 Underneath and Over the bridge, UBA (TCIPC corridor), adding that truck movement will also not be hampered at NAGAFF, Area B, RRS Marine Bridge, 7up, Fidelity Roundabout, Etisalat Roundabout (LPC axis) and RRS (TCIPC corridor).
While revealing that the agreed checkpoints have been assigned to specific agencies, he explained that some roadblocks will be manned only by the NPA, while some others will be assigned to both the NPA and the Lagos State Government.
He added that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Rapid Response Squad and the Nigerian Police Force will manage some points independently without interference from other agencies, while Military Checkpoints will no longer exist along the Port Corridors.
Fayinka, however, warned members of the unions as well as hoodlums extorting motorists along the axis to desist, declaring that such illegal activities will no longer be allowed on the corridors as they were inimical to the desired seamless traffic flow in the area.
The Special Adviser, therefore, urged all stakeholders to act in line with the new strategy toward improving movement along the port access roads and enhancing economic activities in the State.
