Nigeria: Motorists face hardship as truckers block Oshodi-Apapa Expressway
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
Despite the Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Operation’s launch by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to address traffic gridlock, truck drivers blocked the Mile 2-Oshodi expressway, causing significant disruptions for commuters.
The expressway, which had briefly improved, saw trucks and tankers closing the road between Second Rainbow inbound to Mile 2, leaving motorists stranded for hours. The gridlock extended from Cele Bus Stop, Second Rainbow, towards Mile 2 to Tin-Can Ports.
Security agents and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) were overwhelmed as truckers parked indiscriminately along the expressway. One frustrated motorist criticized the state government’s approach to ending the gridlock permanently.
Efforts to reach the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, were unsuccessful.
Following the committee’s inauguration, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, urged strict adherence to the state government’s work guidelines.
In response to the gridlock, the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) stated that joint efforts by truck owners and security agencies would clear the chaotic situation on Oshodi–Tin-can expressway from next week.
AMATO Chairman, Remi Ogungbemile, explained the challenge of vested interests benefiting from the problem. Plans are in place to commence road clearance in collaboration with security agencies, addressing concerns about the potential impact on those benefiting from the situation.
Chairman of the Amalgamation of Container Truck Owners Association of Nigeria, Bello Ridwan, suggested solutions like establishing a pre-gate at Brawal for trucks heading to the port and addressing the truck park opposite Tin-can 2nd gate contributing to the gridlock.
The situation remains a pressing concern despite ongoing efforts, highlighting the need for collaborative and effective solutions to alleviate the persistent gridlock.
