By Eromosele Abiodun
In a bid to ensure that the Apapa gridlock is reduced, the Nigerian Navy has commenced the enforcement of the newly introduced call-up-cards for trucks.
Under the new policy, trucks without the call-up-cards are not allowed to come into Apapa or be on queue with other trucks.
Already, operatives of the has started sending trucks at the Tin Can Island port out of the queue as part of the efforts to check congestion.
The Navy had given trucks a one week ultimatum to vacate the Apapa bridges during a stakeholders’ meeting.
The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore Okon Eyo, said this was the only way to check the current gridlock on Lagos roads, particularly in Apapa area.
He told journalists: “We have advised that there should be no more delay at the Ports gates. When a container comes there, it should not be waiting to be processed or checked again. That should have been done before it is asked to come forward, with the call-up-card. We are giving all trucks one week to vacate the roads. We have already started the enforcement and every stakeholder is aware and has subscribed to the process and the responsibilities that go with it.
“NPA security agents will work with our men. They (NPA officials) are to identify trucks that are free to go to the ports while my men will ensure that those that are not identified are turned back and go out of the queue. We will be doing this gradually until the one week is exhausted. NPA will sanction erring shipping companies.â€
