Reps direct FRSC to arrest trailer drivers over Lagos gridlock
By Henry Omunu, Abuja
The House of Representatives on Wednesday directed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to penalize any trailer driver who parks indiscriminately on the Ogolonto-Ebute Road in Lagos.
They also urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to take advantage of vacant plots of land along the Lagos-Ikorodu Road to create modern trailer parks and ensure that only trailers scheduled for loading have access to the lighter terminal vicinity.
The resolution of the lawmakers followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Rep. Babajimi Benson, who raised alarm over the increasing gridlock on the Lagos- Ikorodu highway following the indiscriminate parking of trailers.
He explained during debate on the motion that due to the monumental increase in container and bulk cargo haulage businesses, there is also a consequential upsurge in theb number of trailers, flatbed and container laden trucks plying the Ogolonto to Ebute route in Ikorodu Federal Constituency.
Rep. Benson warned that the high level of trucking and haulage activities on the road has resulted to the illegal use of the road resulting in wrong parking and heavy traffic blockade, especially on the Ogolonto-Ebute Road
He stated that “this situation is worsening every day and is bringing untold hardship to the people, in addition to the damage from the weight of these trailers on the Ogolonto Road,” the lawmaker said.
The House however, made a resolution approving the motion and urging the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to immediately commence palliative works on the road to ensure that travel time is reduced.
It also directed the Committees on Nigeria Customs and Excise, Ports, Harbors and Waterways, Works and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation.
Our correspondent recalls that the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal (IKLT) was constructed by the Nigerian Ports Authority to decongest the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos state, but has in recent times been witnessing movement of containers from the Apapa Port Complex by sea to the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal in barges.
