Stakeholders call for return of Navy as chaos returns to Lagos Port access roads

ABIOLA Seun |

Maritime Stakeholders have called for the return of the Navy to the Lagos Port traffic management system otherwise known as call-up system as chaos returns to port access roads.

It would be recalled that the Naval Authority withdrew its men from the team of government agencies managing the gridlock following widespread allegation of extortion against the officials which sparked off a strike action by the protesting truck drivers.

The strike which lasted for six days, led to over 6,600 containers getting trapped at the seaports of Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports complex.

However, since the withdrawal of the naval personnel which led to the suspension of the call-up system, chaos has returned to the access roads with commuters finding it increasingly difficult to access the seaports.

Also, long stretch of traffic was experienced on the roads leading to the ports. While the traffic had gotten to Iyana-Isolo on the Apapa Oshodi express way, with commuters who have to pass through Western Avenue having to trek long distance to get to their respective offices.

According to terminal operators, the road is in total chaos as no one is handling the traffic system.

A manager who craved anonymity suggested the return of the Navy to enforce the call-up system but warned against extortion.

He disclosed that when the Navy was controlling the traffic without extorting the drivers it was going on well until extortion came in.

“When Navy was controlling the traffic without extortion, it was all fine but until they introduced extortion then truck drivers called for their withdrawal. But we can all see that we are in chaos, everywhere is blocked,” he lamented.

Also speaking, the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Nigerian Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), Joe Sanni bemoaned the withdrawal of the military from managing the traffic saying they were blackmailed out of the road.

Sanni who called for the return of the Nigerian Navy said as a regimented service they cherish discipline.

He said, “The military were blackmailed and they felt very bad about it. You know they are a regimented service and they cherish discipline though they are all Nigerians no doubt, but to go out and alleged that they are extorting people, if it were you, what would you have done? Remain? ,” he asked rhetorically.

Sanni also disclosed that the Navy has handed -off managing traffic to the port thereby causing chaos.

“The truth is that the Navy on their own said they are no more interested in managing the traffic and we can see that NPA MD Hadiza Bala Usman tried, she has used her connection in the presidency to get the Navy on the road and they did a fantastic job but I know she is helpless now because of the name they gave these people.”

Condemning the drivers action further, the Chairman stated that leadership of the association was not consulted ,pointing out that they should have aired their grievances to their employers rather than take the bull by the horns.

Also speaking, Chairman, South West Zone NARTO, Alhaji Ganiyu Salami explained that the strike action by the drivers came to the leaders of the association as a shock.

He said NARTO did not play any role in the strike adding that the association is currently investigating the actions of the truck drivers.