*The Lagos State Government restates its commitment to plans to ban operations of all unregulated commercial bus operations, specifically ‘Danfos’ and ‘Koropes’ along Lekki-Epe corridor in the state

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In line with the state’s Strategic Transportation Master Plan to improve commuter experience, the Lagos State Government (LASG) has said there is no going back on the planned enforcement banning operations of all unregulated commercial bus operations, specifically 鈥淒anfos鈥� and 鈥淜oropes鈥� along Lekki-Epe corridor, slated to begin October 1, 2024.

绿帽献妻 learnt the Lagos Government made the clarification in view of certain speculations making the rounds on its purported suspension of the plans to ban the unregulated commercial bus operations in the axis of the state.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, Lagos State Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, and Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, affirmed the decision to execute the plans is in line with the Lagos State Strategic Transportation Master Plan, according to report.

Osiyemi and Giwa also solicited the collaboration of Public Transport Bus Operators, such as Korope/Danfo bus drivers, as the Lagos State Government releases the restructuring plans to improve commuting experience in the cosmopolitan state in Nigeria.

Giwa also disclosed that stakeholders’ meeting had been held earlier with bus operators and union leaders in the state, on the need for compliance before October 1 this year.

The Special Adviser on Transportation equally described the current state of bus operations on the corridor as chaotic hence, the need for collaboration to successfully regulate and integrate the informal transport sector into the State鈥檚 Bus Reform Initiative using Lekki/Epe corridor as a pilot test.

The governor’s aide as well explained that the Lekki Epe Corridor had been inspected by the Ministry of Transportation and Lagos Metropolitan Transport Authority (LAMATA) to identify limitations of seamless traffic flow along the Expressway and adjourning roads and had mapped out systematic framework to address possible challenges.

Some of the planned solutions according to Giwa, include the restructuring of the existing unregulated Public Transport Bus Operations on the Lekki Epe Corridor, deployment of High Capacity Buses on the corridor as stated in the Lagos Transport Policy and the Bus Route Network, re-allocation and relocation of Korope/Mini buses to inner route, re-registration and recertification of all buses.

Others are the Introduction of e-ticketing System, Provision of transport infrastructure (Layby, terminal, among others), regulation and standardisation of bus operations, improved transportation services, that is; Safety and passenger comfort and promote the security of lives and properties along the Lekki-Epe corridor.

Giwa further stated that the restructuring plan would be implemented in phases.

He, therefore, urged transport operators who intend to key into the restructuring program to come to the Ministry of Transportation to register within the next two weeks.

The registered operators will be allotted routes by the Ministry to ensure strict compliance to the strategy, stated he.

The state government warned that any operator who contravenes the regulations that would be fined, and would forfeit their vehicles in the event that they ignore the notice of their fines.

According to Giwa, the Lagos State Government would not accommodate willful disregard for its existing Transport Sector Reform Law.

In regard to concerns raised by members of the transport unions, Mr. Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, reportedly explained that the State Government is counting on them to fish out unregistered operators along the corridor.

Musa affirmed that Lekki 鈥揈pe Expressway would be a pilot test for the standardisation of the transportation system in Lagos State.

Dr. Amure, Head of Bus Services LAMATA, earlier at the meeting, had stated that the rapid development of the Lekki/Epe axis was one of the reasons why the State Government chose the corridor to continue its Bus Reform Initiative, which started with the introduction of the Bus Rapid Transit in different parts of the state.

Other stakeholders at the meeting were: Acting Chairman National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Alhaji Mustapha, popularly called Sego and Deputy Chairman Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria RTEAN, Alhaji Taofeek Ajayi, signed a communique at the end of the meeting to affirm their support of the restructuring initiative.

On activation of e-call up system in Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor

In a related development, and as a significant measure to avert severe congestion by articulated truck while improving the efficiency of logistics operations within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor, the Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the e-call up system for managing truck movements within the axis from August 1.

Osiyemi, Commissioner for Transportation, who disclosed this over the weekend, stated that 鈥渢he move is driven by the urgent need to implement a sustainable, effective and technology-driven solution of truck movement in the Lekki-Epe Corridor.鈥�

The Commissioner noted the application of e-call up system will help synchronise movement of trucks assessing the Lekki Deep Seaport and other industries within the corridor, starting from Eleko junction to Lekki Free Trade Zone.

He also highlighted the Lagos State and Federal Governments’ plans on road network expansion and inter-modal transport systems to streamline vehicular traffic and enhancing free movement in one of Lagos鈥� most critical economic zones.

According to Giwa, an interim arrangement is being put in place to decongest the roads through evacuation of all illegal tankers from the red zone by a joint Taskforce of the State, LGAs/LCDAs, Security Agencies and Stakeholders.

He, therefore, urged truck operators and logistics companies to comply with the new system to ensure its success.

鈥淭he e-call up system, an advanced digital platform, is designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements.

鈥淭his system will help prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by the indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor,” stated Giwa.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation said: “The Lekki-Epe corridor, a key economic hub in Lagos, is home to numerous industries, including the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port.

鈥淭he efficient movement of goods and services in this area is crucial for the state鈥檚 economy, making the e-call up system an essential tool for sustainable development.鈥�

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