By KAYODE OYERO

The Lagos State Government has announced the restriction of truck drivers within the state, especially on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, The PUNCH reports.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by Gboyega Akosile, the Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to the statement, truck drivers would ply routes in the state only between 9pm and 6am daily.

The statement quoted the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde as saying that the move was crucial to ease the traffic gridlock especially along the Apapa axis of the state.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Government has proposed the implementation of route restrictions for trailer and truck drivers operating within the State, while their movement periods are restricted to night time.

“The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, announced that the current administration has mapped out dedicated routes to be plied between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am daily.

“He elaborated that the move was necessary as the Apapa in Lagos has been rendered less profitable for investors due to the gridlock and activities of truck drivers along the axis, appealing to the stakeholders to cooperate with the State Government to remedy the situation.

“Oladeinde urged them to put aside their sentiments and think of other motoring public as the policy is not meant to cause rancour, but geared towards opening up the State for greater economic realities.”

“The Commissioner implored the stakeholders to see issues raised as work in progress, while noting that discussions with the unions are ongoing until the grey areas are cleared.”

Scores of accidents involving trailers and passenger vehicles had occurred on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. Many causalities had also been recorded as trucks crush vehicles on a regular basis on the road.

27-year-old Chidinma Ajoku was one of the many promising Nigerians who met their untimely deaths on the road. Chidinma and her colleague, Chima Nnaekpe, 29, m, who both worked at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria died on July 26, 2020, when a truck with number plate SGM 715 XA loaded with a 20ft container fell on a commercial bus they were on.

Chidinma and Chima were returning from work and their danfo had stopped briefly to discharge some passengers when tragedy struck.

Chidinma once signed a petition in 2018 to restrict the movement of container-laden trucks in Lagos State to the hours of 11pm and 5am. (The PUNCH)

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