RESIDENTS of Lagos State are about to experience some respite as President Muhammadu Buhari has issued an order for the removal of the heavy-duty trucks causing traffic gridlock in the Apapa area of Lagos.

According to a statement by the presidency on Wednesday, the presidential order is a fallout of an extra-ordinary Federal Executive Council meeting held on April 25, 2019.

“A Presidential directive has been issued for the immediate clearing up of the Apapa gridlock and the restoration of law and order to Apapa and its environs within 2 weeks,” the statement read.

“To facilitate this important assignment, operators of trucks and tankers have also been directed to vacate the Port Access Roads within the next 72 hours.”

The statement added that during the extraordinary FEC meeting which was attended by top government officials, including members of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Navy, the Lagos State government and the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, lasting solutions to the Lagos gridlock were discussed and decisions reached.

“Consequently, a Presidential Taskforce, chaired by Vice President Osinbajo, was established to restore law and order to the area within 2 weeks,” the statement read further.

“Members of the taskforce include Mr. Kayode Opeifa, former Commissioner of Transport in Lagos State, as the Executive Vice Chairman; a representative of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC); the NPA, and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

“Other members include a special unit of the Nigeria Police led by a Commissioner of Police, representatives of the Truck Transport Union, the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and other relevant MDAs.

“The Nigerian Navy and all other military formations have also been mandated to withdraw from traffic management duties in and around the Apapa axis, while military and paramilitary checkpoints in front of the ports and environs are to be dismantled.

“In addition, LASTMA has been authorised to move into Apapa as the lead traffic management agency, while the NPA is to commence the immediate use of the Lilypond Terminal and Trailer Park A as a truck transit park.”

All affected government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were mandated to adhere to the presidential directive.