TRUCK OPERATORS SEEK CHANGES TO LEKKI CALL-UP SYSTEM

Truck operators and other maritime stakeholders have called for reforms to the truck call-up system along the Lekki-Epe corridor to reduce congestion and improve cargo evacuation.

The call was made during a stakeholder meeting involving the Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee and other participants in the port and logistics sector. (punchng.com)

Chairman of LASTCOC, Zangalo, said the existing arrangement required further review to reflect the operational realities and emerging traffic challenges along the corridor.

Stakeholders also called for improvements to the Apapa truck call-up system, particularly through measures that would reduce unnecessary human intervention and make truck movements more predictable and transparent.

Zangalo said the efficiency of terminal operators was also important in addressing delays within the cargo evacuation chain.

He noted that truckers often bear the effects of prolonged waiting periods, congestion and operational delays, while other businesses could continue to receive demurrage payments arising from such delays.

The stakeholders agreed that addressing congestion would require an examination of the entire cargo evacuation process rather than focusing only on road traffic.

Zangalo urged truck operators along the Lekki axis to organise themselves and comply with existing call-up and traffic management arrangements.

He said bringing all stakeholders together would help develop practical solutions to challenges affecting port operations and cargo movement.