Truck Call-up System Sparks Dispute Between Lagos Govt, Dangote Refinery

• Only Dangote has refused to join the access system – LASG
• Lagos State deceived us on the system – Dangote
• Trucks are already causing fatalities – Local Govt Chairman

The electronic call-up truck management system introduced by the Lagos State Government to prevent traffic gridlock around the Lekki Port corridor is facing significant challenges. Years after the program was initiated, key stakeholders, including the Lagos State Government and Dangote Group, remain at odds over its implementation.

The Lagos State Government, which owns and drives the initiative, insists that all operators in the area must be integrated into the system. However, the Dangote Group, the dominant operator, has refused, citing the state’s failure to provide adequate truck parking capacity.

With operations at the Dangote Refinery now fully underway, the number of trucks in the area has surged, yet the call-up system has not been implemented, nor have temporary solutions been provided to manage the increased traffic. Dangote Refinery stated it had initially planned to build its own truck park but was dissuaded by the state government, which promised to develop a park for all stakeholders.

Mr. Timi Koledu, Managing Director of Call-up Technologies, which promotes the e-call-up system, confirmed that the system is ready, and the necessary IT infrastructure is in place. However, the disagreement between the state government and Dangote Group threatens the smooth operation of the system, set to commence today, September 23, 2024.

During a stakeholders’ meeting last week, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Seun Osiyemi, announced that the call-up system would start as planned. He assured attendees that any issues would be addressed during its implementation.

However, Dangote Group’s representative at the meeting, Mr. Yinka Akande, expressed dissatisfaction, claiming the state government had misled the company. Akande explained that Dangote was prepared to build a 33-hectare truck park but was persuaded by the government to focus on refinery construction while the state handled logistics. Years later, no truck park has been built, leaving Dangote scrambling to manage truck operations.

“We are willing to join the call-up system,” Akande said, “but the necessary infrastructure, particularly the truck parks, is not in place. We need parking for up to 2,800 trucks per day, but the current facilities can only accommodate 300 trucks at best.”

In response, Mr. Sola Giwa, Special Assistant to the Governor on Transportation, acknowledged the challenges but stressed the need to proceed with the call-up system to avoid the kind of gridlock that has plagued Apapa. He urged Dangote and other stakeholders to cooperate, stating that the government is committed to expanding the truck parks.

Giwa added that the state is exploring multi-modal transportation solutions, including using waterways to transport containers, to ease pressure on the roads.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, Mr. Sesan Olowa, raised alarm over the rising number of accidents involving trucks, some of which have resulted in fatalities. Olowa urged immediate implementation of the call-up system, emphasizing the need for better regulation of truck movement to protect local residents.

“Trucks have already caused deaths in our area. We cannot allow this to continue without proper oversight and enforcement,” he said.

The National President of the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Mr. Yusuf Lawal, also expressed concerns, stating that truck owners were not yet fully on board with the system due to a lack of clarity on fees and other operational details. Lawal called for more awareness and consultation to ensure all stakeholders are aligned.

As the e-call-up system begins, it remains to be seen whether the lingering disagreements will be resolved, or if Lagos will face another Apapa-like traffic crisis.

This article is sourced from The Vanguard newspaper, with minor edits and adaptations by The Spectacles for clarity and readability.