Apapa traffic: Lagos takes over 3000-capacity truck terminal in Orile-Iganmu

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday said that the state government would immediately take over the ABAT truck terminal at Orile-Iganmu and commence its immediate repairs as part of efforts to permanently address the perennial traffic in the Apapa axis majorly caused by breakdown of operations at the ports.  Ambode, who disclosed this […]

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday said that the state government would immediately take over the ABAT truck terminal at Orile-Iganmu and commence its immediate repairs as part of efforts to permanently address the perennial traffic in the Apapa axis majorly caused by breakdown of operations at the ports.

 Ambode, who disclosed this at the 2nd quarter 2018 Town Hall meeting, the 11th in the series, held at the Apapa Amusement Park, said he was seriously concerned about the hardship residents in the axis were being subjected to as a result of the activities of containerized trucks and tankers moving in and out of the ports, and also of tank farms, hence the decision to hold the meeting in the area to find lasting solutions

 “Effective today, our government will take over the ABAT truck terminal at Orile-Iganmu and commence immediate repairs to make the park ready for effective use. In the meantime, we will appeal to the Tanker Drivers Association members to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and cooperate with our task force to ensure smooth flow of traffic and better access to the ports.

 “We thank the people of Apapa for enduring such harsh conditions, but I assure you that this situation will be a thing of the past by the end of this year,” he said.

 Ambode said the terminal had a capacity to accommodate, at least, 3000 trucks, adding that the government was already working with security agencies to see how some of the trucks parked on the Western Avenue bridge would be moved into the park.

 “Already, we have cleared the shanties such that we will be able to accommodate, at least, 3,000 trucks in the park. In addition to that, we will work with security agencies and see how we can move the trucks into the park because right now, the park can accommodate about 300 trucks but the people are not using it well

 The governor, while responding to complaints from residents on the menace of motorcycle operators, ordered the police and other security agencies to enforce the State Traffic Law, especially with regards to their restriction on major highways and roads so as to bring about sanity in the Apapa axis.  He added that as part of his administration’s efforts to regenerate the axis, Fadaini Road currently in a deplorable state would be fixed, while Orile-Mile 2- Trade Fair-CMS road would also be repaired to open up alternative roads for motorists plying the axis.     

 The governor said his administration would complete all ongoing projects in the state and continue to ensure that residents enjoy the dividends of democracy.