Lagos government outlaws military checkpoints at Apapa/Tin Can ports corridor

The Lagos government has said that it has reached a consensus with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in streamlining checkpoints along the corridors and feeder routes to eliminate gridlock and curb illegal extortion along Apapa/Tin Can axis.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, disclosed this stakeholders’ meeting with transport unions in Lagos on Monday.

Mr Fayinka said the government would enforce zero tolerance on illegal extortions and activities of miscreants along the corridor through special mobile courts created to address the challenges.

The Lagos government said illegal extortion points would be sacked in streamlining the corridor as the agencies charged with managing traffic flow along the axis have been clearly defined.

Mr Fayinka also explained that the traffic manager responsible was assigned to prevent any illegal activity that could hinder the smooth port operations for all stakeholders.

Trucks will no longer be stopped for ETO at Ijora Badia (LPC axis), Mile 2 under and over the bridge, UBA (TCIPC corridor), and truck movement will not be interfered with at NAGAFF, Area B, RRS Marine Bridge, 7Up, Fidelity Roundabout, Etisalat Roundabout (LPC axis) and RRS (TCIPC corridor), according to the government official.

Mr Fayinka also revealed that the checkpoints had been assigned to specific agencies, including the NPA.

“In the same vein, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Rapid Response Squad and the Nigeria Police Force will manage some points independently without interference from the other agencies, while military checkpoints will no longer exist along the port corridors,” Mr Fayinka said.

However, the Lagos official warned unions and hoodlums against extorting motorists at the Tin Can route.

He urged the stakeholders to cooperate with the new strategy and coordinate themselves.