By Oluwabunmi Ogunjimi
The Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC) has urged truck owners, drivers, terminal operators and other stakeholders in the maritime transport sector to fully cooperate with the Lagos State Government in its renewed efforts to restore sanity, compliance and safety along major port corridors in the State.
Speaking at a meeting of transport stakeholders in Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa, examined the persistent challenges affecting the movement of trucks and cargo along the State’s maritime corridors, particularly the need to prevent avoidable traffic congestion, accidents and loss of lives.
Musa stated the position of the State Government in clear terms saying that “We want sanity and compliance.”
He disclosed that additional personnel and equipment would be deployed to strengthen traffic management and improve operations along the affected corridors.
Musa who chaired the meeting also clarified that the State Government’s objective was not to generate revenue from truckers through fines or other interventions, but to enforce compliance, promote orderly operations and prevent avoidable incidents that could result in loss of lives and property.
At the meeting, it also noted that stakeholder intervention may be unnecessary where the Lagos State Government has established clear enforcement procedures.
Port efficiency:
Stakeholders emphasised the need to improve the efficiency of cargo evacuation from the ports, noting that delays within the port system have a direct impact on truck turnaround time and contribute significantly to congestion along port access roads.
Stakeholders also called for a review of the Lekki–Epe corridor and call-up system required so as to address emerging traffic challenges and ensure that the system adequately reflects the realities of operations along the corridor.
Participants urged truck operators to follow approved guidelines instead of relying on financial intervention when violations or traffic obstructions occur.
They stressed the need to prevent infractions, enforce compliance and maintain orderly operations across the State’s transport corridors
The Lagos State Government has warned truck operators along the Lekki corridor against using payments or informal interventions to resolve traffic violations, insisting on strict compliance with established call-up and traffic management procedures.
The Ministry of Transportation urged truckers to organise their operations and follow approved guidelines, stressing that the government’s priority is to restore order and safety, not generate revenue through fines..
In a statement by Alhaji Lukman Shittu Zangalo, Chairman, Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee, LASTCOC, consequently called on truck owners, drivers, terminal operators and other stakeholders to support the measures, saying compliance would improve road safety, enhance port efficiency and protect lives and businesses.
