E-CALL UP SYSTEM: LASG Mulls Implementation Of Barge Operations For Lekki Port

Following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s approval of the E-call up system for effective traffic management along the Lekki-Epe corridor, the Lagos State Government has stated plans to mull the implementation of barge operations for Lekki Deep Seaport to reduce the movement of cargo via the road.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Sola Giwa who disclosed on Thursday, solicited cooperation at a Stakeholders’ engagement meeting held on Thursday at the premises of Lekki Worldwide Investment Company in Victoria Island, Lagos.

At the stakeholders meeting, he opined that Lagos State has the highest vehicular density, noting that the increase in the establishment of new industries in the Lekki-Epe corridor, necessitated the need for the introduction of the electronic process to manage traffic within the axis.

Giwa added that the State Government is mulling the implementation of barge operations for Lekki Deep Seaport to reduce the movement of cargo via the road, soliciting the support of all Stakeholders for the seamless execution of the process.

He further sought the cooperation and collaboration of all Stakeholders’ for the successful implementation of the process.

Speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde said for seamless execution of the E-call up process, there is a need to brainstorm with all relevant Stakeholders’ carrying out business activities within the Lekki-Epe axis, especially with the emergence of Lekki Deep Sea Port and the upcoming Dangote refineries amongst other industries.

Oladeinde reiterated the need to understand the dynamics of each business operator for effective integration into the Call-up procedure, adding that the pilot operation is projected to start in June this year for two weeks.

The Commissioner further stated that the essence of the pilot scheme is to test the robustness of the call-up application and to ensure it is free from all encumbrances, thereafter, live operations will commence by mid-June.

Also, Engr. Abiola Olowu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce and Industry stated that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu is keen on creating a conducive environment across the State for businesses to thrive with a special focus on the Lekki-Epe corridor due to industries springing up in the axis.

He also mentioned that to fast-track the implementation of the E call-up system, the cooperation of all Stakeholders’ is needed.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola stated that the E-call up system application could not have come at a better time, saying Lekki- Epe axis is fast becoming a commercial area and it behooves the Government to plan to forestall traffic menace in the region.

He applauded the State Government for being proactive through strategic planning on traffic management of the corridor, by not neglecting the safety and security of citizens while enhancing the business atmosphere.

The Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Mr. Abdullahi Sesan expressed delight at the approval of the E-call up system by the Governor, stressing that truck count moving into the corridor is enormous, hence the need to put in place a proper system to manage the movement of the trucks.

He admonished the Stakeholders’ to improve their community relations, citing a situation where truck accidents occurred and truck owners failed to visit the families of victims.

Messrs Call Up Technology Services made a presentation of how the E-call up system will be implemented and the firm was directed to get necessary input from respective Stakeholders for successful integration and implementation of the System.

Stakeholders present at the meeting include the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Dangote Refineries, Lekki Free Zone, Lekki Worldwide Investment Company, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Top Government functionaries from the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ibeju-Lekki and Epe Local Governments, Pinnacle Oil and Gas amongst others.