Task Force Reaffirms Commitment to End Gridlock in Apapa, Lagos

• Task Force Reaffirms Commitment to End Gridlock in Apapa, Lagos

The Presidential Task Force on Apapa gridlock has reaffirmed its commitment to end traffic congestion in Apapa, Lagos State.

In a town hall meeting held on Tuesday to lay bare the affairs of the task force as well as open the floor for suggestions on ways to support the free flow of traffic in Apapa, the Vice Chairman of the Task Force, Kayode Opeifa assured residents that the traffic will be eliminated in no time.

He said, “We have busted the issue of extortion which was a by-product of the demurrage system that was hitherto in operation; which the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC)  and the ship owners are already working on with terminal operators.”

“The NSC has been able to negotiate a slash in the demurrage and we believe once this is put into operation, it would reduce the pressure to get into Apapa and the number of trucks would drastically reduce.”

The task force which was established on May 24, by the Federal Government was issued a presidential directive to resolve the Apapa gridlock and to reinstate law and order in Apapa and its environs. The initial deadline for achieving the aim of the task force was was June 7 but was extended to June 24.

Emphasizing the commitment of the task force to the fulfillment of its goals, Opeifa said, “We have been able to ensure that no trucks stay on the roads anywhere in Apapa”.

The task force is chaired by Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbanjo and supervised by its Vice Chairman, Kayode Opeifa.

The membership of the task force comprises; The Presidential Enabling Business Environmental Council (PEBEC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Representatives of the Truck Transport Union and the Lagos State  Government.