THE Lagos State Government had set to utilise the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system on the Lekki-Epe corridor to ease traffic as the Dangote Refinery commenced loading petrol to tankers.
The e-call-up system is advanced digital platform, designed to regulate the entry and exit of trucks in the Lekki-Epe area by scheduling and coordinating their movements.
It would take effect from September 23, 2024, according to a statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation on Sunday, September 15.
The ICIR reports that the state government had earlier postponed the initial rollout scheduled for August 1 after announcing the launch in July.
“In a significant move to avert severe congestion by articulated trucks and improve 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 23rd September 2024,” the statement read in part.
According to the state government, the device is crucial for addressing the persistent congestion caused by the influx of articulated trucks, especially in the industrial-heavy region.
It stated, “The 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. This system will help prevent the chaotic traffic situations often caused by the indiscriminate parking and movement of trucks within the corridor.”
The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lagos Free Trade Zone, began fuel distribution on September 15, and traffic gridlock is anticipated to intensify in the corridor.
Its initial disclosure is to use the system to regulate truck movements through five designated holding parks.
This includes Hog Marketing Limited in Okorisan, Epe; Nilmage Two4Seven in Poka, Epe; Goldspeed Freight Agency Ltd. opposite Dangote Refinery; Diamond Star Ports and Terminal Ltd. in Abule Panu; and Tal Concept Ltd. at HFP Brick Industry along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
It adds that a ban on truck movements during peak hours (5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.) will be enforced, with compliance overseen by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Taskforce, and Police.
Ahead of the commencement of loading of petrol products from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery, the Lagos government has been mobilising its traffic control measures to tackle anticipated gridlock on the corridor, The ICIR reported.