Lagos Commences Electronic Call-up Truck Movement in Lekki-Epe Zone

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Lagos State Government has commenced the implementation of the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system for managing truck movements within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone.

This is in response to complaints about the heavy logjams created by the presence of these vehicles on traffic routes.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation said in a statement that the new system would ensure effective traffic management, operational efficiency, and road safety in the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone.

In readiness for the commencement, the ministry embarked on an assessment of the traffic management plan.

The team led by the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, inspected the traffic situation and the level of compliance within the Lekki Free Zone down to the Dangote Refinery Loading Area.

The Commissioner stated that the e-call-up system would tackle congestion and streamline the movement of goods and services within the Lekki-Epe corridor.

He said this will be achieved by efficiently allocating resources and minimising waiting times for trucks.

Explaining the level of stakeholder engagement in alignment with the commencement of the new system and enforcement plan, Mr Osiyemi disclosed that the state government, through the Ministry of Transportation, held several discussions on the importance of the e-call up system and why it is the best solution for the corridor.

The Commissioner also expressed his displeasure at the sight of hundreds of recalcitrant truck operators lining up on the corridor, refusing to access the loading bays provided in the area.

He declared that they would face the consequences of non-compliance.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Olawale Musa, stated that the system could not have come at a better time, especially with the management of a large number of trucks loading PMS (premium motor spirit) from the new 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery.

He commended the government’s proactiveness in introducing the e-Call Up plan to forestall traffic issues in the area.