Traffic Gridlock: Lagos Govt Gives Tanker Drivers 48hrs To Relocate From Oshodi-Apapa Expressway

The Lagos State Government, yesterday, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to tanker drivers parked within 300 meters of fuel depots in the state to relocate to safe parking lots pending the availability of petroleum products following persistent traffic gridlock in Apapa area which has spilled over into some parts of the state. Hundreds of tankers had suddenly emerged on the Eko Bridge towards Funsho Williams Way, as well as Mile 2 Expressway, queuing to load fuel.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa gave the ultimatum while reading the communiqué arrived at after a meeting between the Lagos State government, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) Petroleum Tankers Drivers (PTD) National Association of Road Transport owners (NARTO) and other stakeholders.

The commissioner also said no tanker should be seen from the Eko Bridge to Liverpool, Coconut on Apapa Expressway to Mile 2, adding that before tomorrow, the tanker owners must make one lane available for other motorists pending the expiration of the ultimatum, and that the enforcement would be carried out by various unions in the axis.

The enforcement team will include: the State Government, the Police, Lagos State Transport Management Authority, LASTMA, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Vehicle Inspection Service, VIS, officials among others. Meantime, other articulated truck drivers were directed to relocate immediately or be impounded.