Stakeholders along the Lekki Deep Seaport axis have lamented that port operations at the deep seaport are gradually being disrupted by worsening traffic congestion, blaming the Lagos State Government for failing to effectively enforce traffic rules and regulations along the axis, which continues to impede the movement of trucks and other port-bound vehicles.
This was contained in a statement. They added that the situation has raised concerns among stakeholders, who fear that prolonged traffic gridlock could further hamper cargo evacuation and negatively impact port operations.
While highlighting that the deployment of an electronic call-up system to regulate the movement of trucks into and out of the port areas was already operational, these stakeholders, however, emphasised that the failure of the Lagos State Government to ensure that truckers use designated truck parks for proper traffic management before being called up to access the port for cargo evacuation has remained a major challenge.
“Already, investors in truck park facilities are beginning to count their losses as the poor patronage of the parks erodes confidence in the investment environment, despite assurances from the Lagos State Government,” the statement read in part.
Reacting to the development, Managing Director of Lekki World and a major stakeholder in the port axis, Mr Adeola Olusodo, admitted that efforts were ongoing to address the situation and restore smooth traffic flow.
“We do not regulate traffic. The Lagos State Government, through its agency, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, is responsible for ensuring that truck movements are properly regulated along the port corridor,” he said.
A trucker, Cyril Jonah of Jancy Truck Park, said the parks were facing challenges because most truck drivers secured their call-up tickets before arriving at the port.
