In a collaborative effort involving the Lagos State Government, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigeria Police Force, operations have commenced to clear unlawfully parked and abandoned trailers in Apapa, Lagos State.
This significant development was disclosed in a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Adebayo Taofiq, on Thursday.
The operation to promptly remove the abandoned trucks was initiated following the expiration of a removal order issued to truck drivers. The primary objective of this endeavor is to ensure the general safety of vehicles traveling in the Apapa region of the state and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic.
Adebayo Taofiq explained, “The Lagos State Government, in conjunction with the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigeria Police, began strict enforcement operations on all illegally parked or abandoned trailers within Apapa and its environs.”
Mr. Bolaji Oreagba, the General Manager of LASTMA, led the operation on October 10, and confirmed that 18 trailers have already been evacuated from Apapa. He emphasized that this enforcement effort is aligned with the government’s zero tolerance for traffic gridlocks and indiscipline.
Mr. Oreagba revealed that the operation will be an ongoing exercise, aimed at curbing the excesses of trailer drivers and restoring order in various areas, including Creek Road, Etisalat Corridor, Trebor Junction, Liverpool, down to Tin-Can first/second Gates to Coconut, Trinity, Sunrise, and Mile 2 axis.
Furthermore, Mr. Oreagba announced that seminars will be organized to educate truck drivers about the importance of responsible parking. He called upon drivers to assume responsibility for the road and report any instances of careless parking to LASTMA hotlines. Those who disregard parking regulations will face legal consequences.
Mr. Oreagba stressed, “All tanker/trailer drivers are advised to adhere strictly to the new directive, as the government will not hesitate to enforce traffic rules and regulations to the letter.”
The statement emphasized the commitment to prosecuting contravening trailers and tankers in accordance with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, and encouraged motorists and other road users to promptly report broken down or abandoned trailers and tankers to LASTMA via the agency’s hotlines.
This collaborative effort underscores the dedication of the Lagos State Government and its partners to enhance road safety and mitigate the challenges posed by illegally parked and abandoned trailers in the Apapa area.