The Lagos State Government has vowed to name and shame any maritime stakeholder irrespective of their status that disregards the new e-call up system/intervention put in place to ensure a gridlock free movement at Apapa.
At the Commissioning of the newly reconfigured Lekki 1st, 2nd and Abraham Adesanya Roundabouts, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu while handing over the Newly Improved Junction projects, promised that offenders and recalcitrant stakeholders would be brought to the public courts as the State will no longer condone the recklessness and nonchalance exhibited by truck operators in the State.
Sanwo- Olu assured that the current state of Apapa and the port access roads was the beginning of a lasting solution to the incessant gridlock experienced by motorists that ply the corridors frequently, stressing that the State was not out of the woods as dubious entities profiting from the gridlock would revolt and fight back, he maintained that the State was prepared to engage them.
The Governor further explained that the delay witnessed by the citizenry in tackling the gridlock was due to background enquiries made with various Maritime stakeholders on the cause of the incessant gridlock at Apapa, urging all Logistic Companies to collaborate with the State Government and consolidate on the progress made at unlocking the Apapa Gridlock
Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction at the already completed Junction Improvement Projects, stating that the official commissioning was deliberate to show Lagosians that his administration is committed to fulfilling the promises made on Traffic Management during the campaign and at the beginning of his tenure.
Mr. Governor further appealed to residents in Lekki and Abraham Adesanya to take control of the modest intervention to reduce traffic congestion. He also urged members of the public to reach out to the State Government on ways to better the initiated provisions made by the State Government to minimize travel time for commuters.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde stated that the support of Mr. Governor had birthed Six major Junctions/Roundabouts Improvement Projects which have been successfully completed, adding that Allen Avenue Roundabout, Maryland Junction and Ikotun Roundabout were already in use.
With enthusiasm, Oladeinde explained the pre-existing Roundabouts could not cater to the rising volume of vehicles plying the routes during peak hours because it was limited to manual traffic control system which was inadequate considering the Smart City Vision inclusive of a 21st century technology driven traffic control system needed for the fast growing population.
”Since the completion of these Junction/Roundabout Improvement projects, we have noticed significant improvement in traffic management along these corridors, commuters travel time is saved, while the usual traffic gridlocks have reduced considerably.” Oladeinde noted.
The Commissioner assured the Governor that his Ministry will continue to display unrelenting efforts to realize the vision of making the State transport system a model for measuring efficiency in transportation not only in Nigeria, but the West Africa sub-region.
In affirmation, the Managing Director, Planet Projects Limited, Mr. Biodun Otunola while delivering the Lekki 1st and 2nd Junction improvement project brief stated that drainage construction was a major part of the modification to prevent flooding which was responsible for the rapid deterioration of the asphalt
He also disclosed that 30 Traffic lights, 27 street lights, 10km road markings and over 100 traffic Signs were installed to efficiently execute the Junction Improvement on the aforementioned Roundabouts.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Kamar Owodiran Olowoshago, reiterated that the Ministry of Transportation will do its best to ensure that there is an improvement in traffic management which in turn will ensure safe travel time and a significant reduction in traffic induced stress for commuters.
He also assured that government policies and programmes will be implemented in the transport sector to create an enabling environment to attract Private sector participation in the ongoing Multi-Modal Transport System in line with international best standards.
Bolanle Ogunlola (Mrs) Asst. Director Public Affairs
