FG restricts, begins evacuation of trucks in Lagos

IGP discourages night trips as Obi decries hunger

Following the 14-day extension of the lockdown to check the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Presidential Task Team on Law and Order in Apapa, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has issued fresh guidelines on port operations, saying trucks would no longer be permitted to move at night. Signed by the panel’s vice chairman, Kayode Opeifa, the rule exempted branded trucks.

The law stated that all articulated trucks along the port corridor, including Wharf Road, Commercial Road, Warehouse and Creek roads must be evacuated by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) with penalties imposed on the owners. Opeifa said the decisions were taken after a due consultation with major stakeholders.

According to the new guidelines, assistant drivers, popularly known as “motor boys” would no longer be allowed as only the truck and tanker drivers would access the ports.

The presidential panel further stated: “The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) must provide hand-washing facilities at the Lagos Truck Transit Park and the Tin Can Island Port transit park, including port gate for truck drivers’ use.

“All fuel depots’ managements within the corridor are to provide same at every depot entry and exit point.

“Furthermore, all truck and tanker drivers should carry personal hand sanitisers to be applied at every control point, entry and exit of transit truck parks and port gates.

“Container trucks will stay out of Apapa maritime logistic corridor until it is called by the NPA and access provided by the TTP.”

The principle added that not more than 20 trucks would be called at a time at the nominated parks.However, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, has cautioned night travels in defiance of the state-at-home order.He pointed out that the development was counter-productive and undermines government’s efforts in containing the disease.

Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, who gave the caution yesterday in Abuja, said the warning “is sequel to intelligence at the disposal of the force showing that road transport workers, especially interstate operators, have continued to defy the lockdown order and cessation of movements as emplaced by the Federal Government, as they continue to embark on night journeys.”

Also yesterday, former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State yesterday submitted that Nigerians had sacrificed enough, insisting that hunger could no longer be quarantined.In a live programme, he contended that the conditional cash transfer by the Federal Government couldn’t solve the problem of the citizenry.