Lagos moves to restore order in trucking business

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By Godwin Oritse

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LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to restore compliance, safety and orderly operations in the trucking business, particularly along major maritime corridors in the state.

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The Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) consequently urged truck owners, drivers, terminal operators and other stakeholders in the maritime transport sector to cooperate with the government in implementing the measures.

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Speaking at a meeting with transport stakeholders in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, examined persistent challenges affecting the movement of trucks and cargo along the state’s maritime corridors.

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Musa said the government was particularly concerned about avoidable traffic congestion, accidents and loss of lives arising from activities along the corridors.

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“We want sanity and compliance,” he said.

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The Permanent Secretary, who chaired the meeting, disclosed that additional personnel and equipment would be deployed to strengthen traffic management and improve operations along the affected corridors.

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He also clarified that the government’s objective was not to generate revenue from truck operators through fines or other interventions, but to enforce compliance, promote orderly operations and prevent incidents that could result in loss of lives and property.

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Stakeholders at the meeting also discussed measures to improve cargo evacuation from the ports, noting that delays within the port system directly affect truck turnaround time and contribute to congestion on port access roads.

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They called for a review of operations along the Lekki-Epe corridor and the call-up system to address emerging traffic challenges and ensure that the system reflects the realities of trucking operations in the area.

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Participants urged truck operators to comply with approved guidelines rather than resorting to financial interventions when violations or traffic obstructions occur.

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The Lagos State Government had also warned truck operators along the Lekki corridor against using payments or informal interventions to resolve traffic violations, insisting on compliance with established call-up and traffic management procedures.

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The Ministry of Transportation urged truck operators to properly organise their activities and follow approved guidelines, stressing that the government’s priority was to restore order and safety rather than generate revenue through fines.

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In a statement, the Chairman of LASTCOC, Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo, called on truck owners, drivers, terminal operators and other stakeholders to support the measures.

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He said improved compliance would enhance road safety, facilitate port operations and protect lives and businesses.

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Stakeholders at the meeting included the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) and LASTCOC.

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