By ADAKU WALTER
As part of efforts to eliminate traffic and check extortions along the Apapa and Tin Can axis, the Lagos State Government has reached a consensus with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to streamline checkpoints along the corridor and feeder routes.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting with transport unions, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Oluwatoyin Fayinka, declared that the government would enforce zero tolerance on al extortions and activities of miscreants along the corridor through Special Mobile Courts created to address the challenges.
Fayinka also explained that in streamlining the corridor, illegal extortion points would be disbanded and the agencies charged with managing traffic flow along the axis have been defined and assigned to prevent illegal activities capable of hindering smooth port operations, The Trumpet gathered.
He further stated that trucks would no longer be stopped for ETO at Ijora Badia (LPC axis), Mile 2 and UBA (TCIPC corridor), adding that movement of trucks would not be interfered with at NAGAFF, Area B, RRS Marine Bridge, 7up, Fidelity Roundabout, Etisalat Roundabout (LPC axis) and RRS (TCIPC corridor).
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Fayinka, who also revealed that the checkpoints have been assigned to specific agencies, added that some checkpoints would be manned by only the NPA, while some other checkpoints would be assigned to NPA and the Lagos State Government.
In the same vein, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Rapid Response Squad and the Nigerian Police Force would manage some checkpoints independently without interference from e other agencies, while Military checkpoints would no longer exist along the ports corridor.
He, however, cautioned unions and hoodlums against extorting motorists on the Tin Can axis, saying their activities would no longer be allowed on the corridors, as they were also inimical to seamless flow of traffic.
Fayinka, therefore, urged all stakeholders to cooperate with the new strategy and comport themselves accordingly, as this would improve movement along the port access roads, which would ultimately boost economic activities.