Investigations by Shipping Position Daily have revealed that the failed implementation of the electronic call-up system by the Lagos state government is threatening to cripple operations at the new Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Deep Seaport, and other key facilities within the Lagos Free Zone.
As production increases and logistical demands continue to rise, sources who spoke to our correspondent during a visit to the Lagos Free Trade Zone last week, re-echoed warnings that the absence of this critical infrastructure could lead to severe traffic congestion, mirroring past challenges faced in the Apapa area.
Stakeholders are calling for immediate action to avert a crisis that could significantly impact the region’s economic growth and operational efficiency.
Shipping Position Daily recalls that the Lagos State Government had announced that the electronic call-up system for the Lekki-Epe corridor will commence on September 23, 2024, following the postponement of its initial rollout, which was earlier scheduled for August 1, 2024.
According to the Lagos State Government, the implementation of an e-call-up system to manage truck and tanker movements is aimed at preventing severe congestion that is likely to be caused by articulated vehicles and improving the efficiency of logistics operations within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Seun Osiyemi, had assured stakeholders that the e-call-up system was ready to commence on September 23, even as he assured that any emerging issues would be resolved as the system operates. “We understand there will be teething problems, but we need to start now, to prevent the corridor from becoming another Apapa,” Osiyemi stated.
The call-up system was designed to manage truck arrivals at the refinery and the seaport, ensuring that only those with pre-approved slots would be allowed to access the industrial zone, a measure aimed at preventing the kind of traffic jams that have plagued other major ports.
However, one month later, our correspondent who visited the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Corridor last week, observed that the system remains in limbo, as the e-call up system is yet to be implemented with the traffic situation around the Dangote Refinery continuing to peak.
During the visit to the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Port, truck drivers who spoke with our correspondent confirmed that the electronic call-up system has yet to commence, expressing frustration over the lack of coordination.
They voiced concerns about how the increasing number of trucks would be managed once the refinery ramps-up production. “If this e-call up is not implemented soon, we could be looking at massive traffic jams and delays. They keep promising us that the e-call will start soon, but we are yet to see the implementation,” one driver told our correspondent.
Residents of the surrounding areas along the very busy Lekki-Epe corridor also shared their fears with our correspondent, highlighting the potential for severe traffic congestion if adequate measures are not put in place. A resident who simply identified himself as Olayemi said, “We are already seeing more trucks on the road, and the situation could get out of hand if something isn’t done quickly.”
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily last week, the National Secretary of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Mr Aloga Ogbogo raised concerns over the delayed implementation of the e-call-up system to manage truck movements in and around the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Port.
Ogbogo maintained that while some logistics and infrastructure may be in the works, delays in the implementation of the e-call up system could severely disrupt operations and negatively impact both businesses and residences in the area.
Acknowledging the complexities of setting up such a system, Ogbogo urged the government and relevant authorities to hasten the process to avoid a potential traffic disaster similar to what was experienced in the Apapa port area.
The NARTO scribe pointed out that the industrial cluster where the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and various other subsidiaries are located is rapidly becoming a high-traffic area, due to the increase in production activities. With the refinery beginning production of Premium Motor Spirit, Jet A1 and diesel, he confirmed that demand in the area is rising significantly.
“They need to put some logistics in place, including parking areas and the software required for the e-call up system. If they don’t organize the place very well, there will be chaos in terms of trucking and other logistics needs for companies exporting from the Free Trade Zone and the refinery.
“The refinery is already producing gas, PMS, and Jet A1, and the Nigerian fuel market has already seen some relief from local production. But for these economic benefits to be fully realized, the infrastructure to support smooth operations must be in place, and that includes the e-call up system.”
Efforts to reach the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation; Mr Sola Giwa and the National President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Williams Akporeha, for further clarification on the delay were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to them were not answered as at press time.
On his part, a clearing agent at Lekki Port, Olaoluwa Akanbi confirmed to our correspondent that the electronic call-up system at Lekki port is also yet to be implemented after several promises.
Akanbi Informed our correspondent that Lekki port clears an average of over 100 trucks per day which may put a strain on the traffic situation, as operations increase at the Free Trade Zone.
