Suara Sherif
Lekki Port has moved to end the congestion choking its access corridor, with the Nigerian Ports Authority and stakeholders agreeing on tighter controls for truck movements serving the port, petroleum facilities, free zone businesses and coastal road construction.
The Lekki Port Manager, Emmanuel Anda, who convened the stakeholders’ meeting, directed trucks to use a single lane so other road users can move freely, in line with the Federal Controller of Works’ directive.
He also insisted that trucks be released strictly through the electronic call-up system, based on each terminal’s capacity to receive them.
To curb abuse, the Lekki Free Port Terminal’s Chief Operating Officer, Ajay Harlal Tyagi, said a one-container, one booking system is now in place to block duplicate bookings, alongside a radio-frequency identification system to speed up access control and turnaround times.
But enforcement remains the sticking point.
Timi Koleolu of Call Up Technology said the agreed standard operating procedure is not being followed, urging truckers to use designated parks and complete bookings before heading to the port.
Lagos State officials also admitted that agreements with transport unions on designated parks are not being fully observed and said an enforcement plan is being developed.
Anda called for better facilities at temporary truck parks, toilets, resting areas, canteens, lighting, security and basic medical services, while stakeholders agreed to inspect all transit parks along the corridor. He expects congestion to ease within a month, with follow-up on the agreed measures.
