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Saboteurs Responsible for Apapa Gridlock—Opeifa
By Adedapo Adesanya
There are strong indications that the gridlock being experienced in the Apapa axis of Lagos State will not see any improvement this year.
This is because the Presidential Task Team (PTT) on the Restoration of Law and Order has faulted stakeholders for sabotaging its efforts.
The Vice-Chairman of PTT, Mr Kayode Opeifa, declared recently that his team has no control over the delay in transit ranging from three to six weeks for trucks to reach the ports from Mile-2, a distance of about 10 kilometres.
Mr Opeifa, during a media tour of the Apapa port environment, said the inefficiency and lack of proper coordination among stakeholders were the major issues affecting port and traffic in Apapa and its environ.
“There is no problem on this axis of Apapa, what we have are issues. Some of the issues are that the construction is ongoing but a lot of transporters don’t have the information which their agencies, authorities owe them. They need to inform their clients and find a way to inform the public.
‘‘This is because a lot of people are taking advantage of the happenings to extort their principals, drivers exploiting the managers, managers exploiting the shippers, shippers exploiting me and you.
“So, there is a need for information for the public to understand what’s going on here. Then the stakeholders should take ownership of the place.
“Terminal operators should be interested in how people access their terminals and not just attending to whoever they see.
“Transporter should be interested in the welfare of the drivers.
‘‘The port management needs to be concerned with all the issues because somebody needs to tell them when the road will be closed and when they need to come, our job in PTT is to maintain the law and order by ensuring that only those who are asked to come are allowed to move on the road.
“Unfortunately, we are at the receiving ends; everyone thinks we are the one deciding. No, we are not, we only carry out order restoration based on the directives of the operation of the port. But when that operation of the port has efficiency issue, it is a problem to the entire system.
“The contractor needs to gain access to certain places to do its work, the earlier the contractor gains access to where he needs to work, the better for the operation of the port. These are the issues.
‘‘However, the ports must keep working too. We need the port managers to be more responsive in the overall scheme of things.
‘‘We believe in few months’ time the Apapa area will take better shape for movements and port activities, much more orderliness would be restored.’’
Speaking on the transit park for trucks, Mr Opeifa stated, “Regardless of restriction from the construction site, from Mile 2 to major parts along the corridor, you can see you no longer see trucks from Mile 2 to Oshodi, and once the truck moves inside here, (Berger, Coconut area), they feel more relaxed in the port corridor.
“We have no control over how many hours they will spend before getting into the port which depends on port operations. If not for the construction work going on, the movement into the port should be faster. Many of the trucks you see don’t have any business at the port and if you ask them, they don’t even know they are not supposed to be on the road.
“We were sent by the Presidency to restore law and order and we have honestly, achieved that to a large extent. What I’d needed at the ports now is the efficiency in all operations and there is a need for a proper definition of those who supposed to be at the port and not.
“Most of the issues around here comes from one or two terminals out of 15 terminals. So those who are charged with the responsibility of regulating the port should be at their best efficiency,” Mr Opeifa said.
Giving input on the construction timeline, the PTT Vice Chairman noted that the contractor has done a fantastic work so far with the target to complete work between November and December 2020.
He explained, “Our job is to work pending the introduction of electronic call-up system, earlier scheduled to commence on August 1, 2019, but a year after, we are not there yet.
“We believe by the time the road is completed and electronic call-up system commences, in December 2020, 80 per cent of restoration of order would have been achieved and we will see less of human disorderliness. Digitalization will replace operations and we have to deal with fewer issues.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Nigeria Police Force has said it would begin the enforcement of the controversial tinted glass permit despite an ongoing case in the court.
In a statement on Monday night signed by its spokesman, Mr Benjhami Hundeyin, the police said the reason for the resumption of the enforcement was due to insecurity in the country.
The enforcement, the statement noted, will resume on Friday, January 2, 2026, and motorists who require the tinted glass permit have been encouraged to apply through the approved channels and ensure that their vehicles comply with legal procedures.
The police noted that there was not a time the court prevented it from going ahead with the implementation of the tinted glass permit, noting that this was for the “safety of all citizens.”
“It is important to clarify that at no point did the court restrain the Nigeria Police Force from enforcing the provisions of the law regarding the use of tinted glass on vehicles.
“Nonetheless, in the spirit of responsibility, transparency, and public convenience, the Force suspended enforcement to allow motorists ample opportunity to regularise their documentation and complete the registration process without pressure,” parts of the statement today stated.
“Recent trends, however, reveal a disturbing rise in criminal activities perpetrated with the aid of vehicles fitted with unauthorised tinted glass. Some individuals and organised criminal groups have exploited this gap to conceal their identities and facilitate crimes ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“In view of this, the Nigeria Police Force has found it both necessary and urgent to resume full enforcement as a proactive measure to safeguard our communities.
“Consequently, enforcement of tinted glass permit will resume on January 2, 2026,” it declared.
“The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, assures the public that the renewed enforcement will be carried out with utmost professionalism, respect for the rights of citizens, and in accordance with extant laws.
“He adds that the Force remains committed to promoting public safety and upholding the rule of law while working collaboratively with all stakeholders to keep Nigeria secure,” the statement added.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The 6th edition of the annual Don’t Drink & Drive (DDD) campaign of the Beer Sectoral Group (BSG) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), organised in partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has officially flagged off.
The safer roads initiative commenced in Lagos with a press interaction and stakeholder briefing attended by FRSC officials, the BSG executive team, transport unions, and media organisations.
The DDD campaign reinforces BSG’s ongoing commitment to promoting responsible drinking and safer roads across Nigeria.
Chairman of the group, Mr Carlos Coutino, stressed the industry’s unwavering commitment to road safety and responsible drinking.
“The beer industry remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible drinking advocacy. The Don’t Drink & Drive campaign has been one of the Beer Sectoral Group’s flagship corporate social responsibility programmes since inception, aimed at saving lives and fostering safer transportation habits,” Mr Coutino stated.
In his welcome address, the Corps Commander, Mr Kehinde G. Hamzat, emphasised the heightened dangers on the roads during the festive season and the need for stronger public awareness:
“The risk of road crashes increases significantly during the festive season, which is why we must intensify public sensitization efforts. Collective awareness and responsible choices are critical to saving lives on our roads,” he said.
He lauded the BSG member companies for their consistent support of the FRSC in this initiative over the years, noting that their commitment has made a real impact in reducing avoidable accidents.
“I wish to express my profound appreciation to our esteemed stakeholders, Beer Sectoral Group for partnering with the Federal Road Safety Commission in the campaign for continued corporate social responsibility efforts towards ensuring safety on our roads,” he said.
In her closing remarks, the Executive Secretary of BSG, Mrs Abiola Laseinde, thanked the FRSC and transport stakeholders for their continued collaboration, underscoring the vital role of collective action in reducing avoidable accidents caused by drunk driving.
After the event, the team proceeded to major motor parks in Lagos, Berger and Ojota — for the park rallies.
At each location, commercial drivers and road users received safety sensitization, breathalyzer demonstrations, and branded educational materials. The rally also featured direct engagements with transport unions and drivers to reinforce the message of safety and responsible alcohol consumption.
The BSG comprises notable brewers like International Breweries Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Guinness Nigeria Plc.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
As part of its efforts to ensure smooth festive period, the Ibese Plant of Dangote Cement Plc in Ogun State at the weekend distributed some life-saving kits to motorcycle riders and commercial drivers in the Gateway State.
Some of the items given to the commercial drivers and riders included helmets, reflective jackets as well as safety goggles.
The company said road safety campaign, which happened at the Ilaro Motor Park, was to curb preventable crashes by promoting responsible driving and riding habits as vehicular traffic surges towards the year-end.
Facilitators demonstrated the four major blind spots—front, passenger side, driver’s side, and rear—using live motorcycles and a stationed truck. Riders were stunned to discover that even an attentive driver could not see them in these zones.
A staff of Dangote Cement Transport for Health, Safety and Environment, Ms Ebere Okonkwo, explained that the initiative aligns with Dangote Cement’s broader mission to promote safer roads and foster harmony between truck drivers and other road users.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. This programme teaches road users especially the drivers and riders how to identify blind spots and equips them with safety kits. It’s part of our continuous effort to save lives.
“Overspeeding, impatience, and miscalculations remain leading causes of preventable road accidents. We urge riders to prioritize safe riding habits and strictly obey traffic regulations, especially during these remaining days into the New Year when vehicular movement peaks,” Ms Okonkwo said.
The Head of Transport and Safety at Ibese Plant, Mr Peter Abuad, led a practical session on basic issues in Road safety demonstrated how the drivers and the Okada riders could identify and avoid truck blind spots.
He highlighted four critical danger zones—directly in front, both sides, and behind heavy vehicles—warning riders to steer clear during lane changes and turns.
“If you are in any of these blind spots, the truck driver does not know you’re there. Avoid them at all times. Dangote Cement Ibese is committed to ensuring safety and improving lives,” he stated.
The Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Sulaiman Kolawole Oluwadumiye, warned that excessive speed remains a leading cause of fatal crashes.
“Speed is sweet—the engine sounds powerful, the road looks open, and you feel in control. But the same speed that feels good for one minute can destroy a family in another second.
“The road has no respect for confidence or experience. There is no medal for the fastest driver and rider, only sorrow for the careless one,” he said.
He explained that speeding reduces a rider’s ability to spot danger and brake effectively, noting that articulated trucks pose even greater risks when control is lost.
“Most crashes involving motorcycles and trucks happen because riders unknowingly enter these danger zones,” he said, recounting a recent fatal crash caused by a rider overtaking on the wrong side and disappearing into a truck’s blind spot.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme, Mr David Odumoye thanked the management of Dangote Cement for deeming it fit to come to the park to meet the drivers and riders and enlighten them on road safety issues and donating safety items to them, adding, “Nobody is an expert on the road, no matter how long you’ve been riding. This training is very important. We thank Dangote for the initiative and the protective kits.”
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