The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its decision to enforce the ban on all unregulated commercial bus operations, specifically targeting “Danfos” and “Koropes” along the Lekki-Epe corridor, starting October 1, 2024.
This announcement dispels rumors of a possible suspension of the plan.
State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, emphasized that the move aligns with the Lagos State Strategic Transportation Master Plan.
The government has called for collaboration from public transport bus operators to enhance the commuting experience.
Giwa noted that a stakeholders’ meeting was held with bus operators and union leaders to ensure compliance before the deadline.
He described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic and stressed the need for collaboration to regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State’s Bus Reform Initiative.
The Ministry of Transportation and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) have inspected the Lekki-Epe Corridor to identify traffic flow issues and developed a framework to address potential challenges.
Planned solutions include deploying high-capacity buses, relocating Korope/Mini buses to inner routes, re-registering all buses, and introducing an e-ticketing system.
Giwa highlighted the restructuring plan, which will be implemented in phases, and urged transport operators to register with the Ministry of Transportation within two weeks.
Registered operators will be assigned routes to ensure compliance with the strategy. Non-compliance will result in fines and possible vehicle forfeiture.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olawale Musa, stressed the importance of union cooperation in identifying unregistered operators, affirming that the Lekki-Epe Expressway will serve as a pilot for standardizing the transportation system in Lagos.
E-Call Up System to Manage Truck Movements
In a bid to prevent severe congestion by articulated trucks and enhance logistics efficiency within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor, the Lagos State Government will commence an e-call up system for truck movements starting August 1, 2024.
Commissioner Osiyemi explained that the e-call up system aims to provide a sustainable, technology-driven solution for managing truck movement in the Lekki-Epe Corridor.
The system will coordinate truck movements to and from the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor.
Giwa, responsible for enforcing the e-call up system, mentioned that an interim arrangement is being implemented to decongest the roads through the evacuation of illegal tankers by a joint task force.
He urged truck operators and logistics companies to comply with the new system to ensure its success.
“The e-call up system, an advanced digital platform, is designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements. This system will help prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by the indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor,” Giwa stated.
The Lekki-Epe corridor, home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Dangote Refinery, and Lekki Deep Sea Port, is crucial for the state’s economy.
The efficient movement of goods and services in this area is essential for sustainable development.