- Safiu Kehinde
Lagos State government has towed illegally parked tankers near Dangote Refinery and the Lekki Free Trade Zone while clearing 120 other vehicles along Ebute-Ero and Ejalonibu.
This was diclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq.
According to the statement, LASTMA had in a decisive enforcement operation over the weekend, dislodged all illegally parked tankers around the Dangote Refinery and across the Lekki Free Trade Zone following repeated warnings issued by the Lagos State Government against such infractions.
The intervention, described as a proactive measure, was aimed at averting the grave disruptions to vehicular movement that such illegal parking could cause.
It ensured unimpeded access for trucks entering and exiting the Dangote Refinery and safeguarded traffic flow along the Lekki-Ajah corridor.
The operation was directed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa, who reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering resolve to maintain a traffic-free and orderly Lagos.
He emphasized that the indiscriminate parking of tankers, particularly around the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone, and the Lekki-Ajah Expressway, would no longer be condoned.
Hon. Giwa disclosed that, in addition to the enforcement at the refinery and free trade zone, LASTMA removed 120 illegally parked vehicles, including private cars and commercial buses, from bridges stretching from Ebute-Ero to Ejalonibu on Lagos Island.
He expressed disappointment that these vehicles, despite repeated warnings, continued to use bridges as unauthorized parking and garage spaces.
The Special Adviser reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustaining surveillance in these areas, leveraging the recently introduced ‘Eto’ system, which regulates the entry and exit of trucks at the Dangote Refinery.
“All vehicles, including tankers, private cars, and commercial buses impounded during this enforcement exercise, will be promptly arraigned before the Lagos State Mobile Court.
“This serves as both a punitive measure and a deterrent to others engaging in similar illegal activities.” Giwa had said.
Meanwhile,.LASTMA also disclosed the establishment of a dedicated Traffic Monitoring Zone (TMZ) in the Lekki axis to oversee vehicular operations and prevent further disruptions.
The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, appeals to all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to facilitate seamless movement and promote orderliness across the State.
For traffic-related concerns or to report issues, the public is encouraged to contact LASTMA via its multilingual hotline: 080000527862.