Lagos, NPA partner to check extortion on Apapa-Tin-Can port axis

Lagos State government has reached a consensus with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in streamlining check-points along the Apapa/Tin-Can Port axis corridors and feeder routes to eliminate traffic gridlock and curb illegal extortion.

A statement, yesterday, stated that the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting with transport unions, saying that the state government will enforce zero-tolerance on illegal extortions and activities of miscreants along the corridor through special mobile courts set up to address the aforementioned challenges.

Fayinka also disclosed that in streamlining the corridor, illegal extortion points would be disbanded and the agencies charged with the role of managing traffic flow along the axis had been clearly defined and assigned to prevent any illegal activity that could hinder smooth port operations for all stakeholders.

The special adviser, who further stated that trucks would no longer be stopped for ETO at Ijora Badia (LPC axis), Mile 2 under and over the bridge, UBA (TCIPC corridor) and others, also revealed that agreed check-points had been assigned to specific agencies.

He said some check-points would be manned by the NPA alone, while others would be assigned to NPA and the Lagos State government.

Besides, he said the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the Nigeria Police Force would manage some points independently without interference from other agencies, while military check-points will no longer exist along the port corridors.

He, however, warned unions and hoodlums extorting motorists along Tin-Can, saying their activities will no longer be allowed on the corridors as they are also inimical to seamless traffic flow.

Fayinka urged all stakeholders to co-operate with the new strategy and co-ordinate themselves accordingly as this will improve movement along the port access roads.