NPA, LASG Resolve To Complement Construction Company On Road Completion

By Roland Ekama

The Nigerian Ports Authority NPA and the Lagos State Government have resolved to ensure quick completion of the ongoing construction of a section of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in the state.

The Senior Adviser on Transportation to the Lagos State Governor,Sola Giwa and the Port Manager, Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), NPA, Mallam Buba Jubril respectively, called on officials from Hi Tech construction company to highlight some the challenges affecting the construction work along the Apapa Oshodi Expressway inward  Sunrise – Tin Can Port corridor, noting that the move was aimed to support the construction firm in finding lasting solutions to the road completion.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the inspection at Sunrise axis of the aforementoned road on Monday, the Port Manager, harped on collaboration among stakeholders adding that the NPA has been in the forefront to engage critical players for port business to flourish.

Jubril noted that the roads has been a major challenge at Tin Can Port affirming that at the completion of the corridor, business activities will boom better than what is obtainable.

He assured that the road will be freer once the Construction work is completed by the Hi-Tech.

On his part the Senior Adviser , stressed the need for the Lagos State Government to assist the construction company and to allow the flow of vehicles along the road.

The Lagos State official reiterated the Gov. Sanwo Olu administration commitment to ending the gridlock on Mile 2 – Tincan axis, assuring stakeholders that attention would be focused on Apapa until there is a free flow of traffic in the area.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, explained that despite the success recorded in managing traffic flow in and out of Apapa Port, the State Government is committed to resolving all the challenges plaguing the ongoing construction along the route.

He reiterated that Okada operations are still prohibited in Apapa despite recalcitrant riders seen flouting the ban, assuring that penalties will be meted out by the security formations charged with enforcing the ban across the 10 Local Government Areas of the State.

Giwa stated that the concerns of the truckers and the construction company, Hi-tech, have been noted by the Traffic Management Enforcement Team, adding that the parties will be engaged to create and implement a lasting solution to reduce the gridlock on the lane inbound Tin Can Port.

Giving an assurance that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration will continue its engagements with all stakeholders, Giwa envisaged that issues relating to the construction of the port access roads would be resolved to facilitate seamless movement in and out of Apapa environs.

Also speaking, the Project Manager  Hi-Tech, Mr. Willie Barkhuisen, noted that with the support of the State Government, the company will complete rehabilitation works along the Mile 2 – Tincan axis in two months.

The representative of Dangote Group, Engr. Bolaji Akinsanya applauded the Lagos State Government for its dedication and support in ensuring that the rehabilitation of the Port access road is completed in record time, maintaining that the Dangote Group will remain supportive of bettering port operations.