Presidency sets up task force to clean up Apapa gridlock

The presidency has issued a directive for the immediate clearance of Apapa Port Congestion and emergency clean-up of gridlock on Apapa road.

This was disclosed in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, the office of the vice president, Laolu Akande.

In the statement also ordered trucks and tankers to vacate the port access roads within 72 hours.

This directive is said to have followed an emergency meeting convened by President Muhammadu Buhari.

A presidential task force, chaired by Vice President Osinbajo was set up to restore law and order to the area within two weeks.

The terms of reference of the task force include, “the development of an efficient and effective management plan for the entire port area traffic, including the cargo, fuel distribution and business district traffic; enforcing the permanent removal of all stationary trucks on the highway.

Members of the task force 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 Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has also been authorized to move into Apapa as the lead traffic management agency.