Lagos ready for Lagos-Ibadan traffic gridlock on Monday

Ahead of the rehabilitation works expected to commence on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Monday, 2nd of September 2019, the Lagos State government has expressed readiness for the impending traffic gridlock that currently looms on access into the state.

This is even as truck operators have warned that a failure to effectively manage the traffic could have damaging consequences on haulage rates from the seaports.

In an exclusive text message to the Tribune Online, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Olawale Musa explained that the section being worked on falls under the Ogun State jurisdiction.

According to Mr. Olawale Musa, “the part of the road being worked on falls within the jurisdiction of Ogun State.

“Traffic being diverted from one side of the road to the other resulting in the contraflow. However, our men will be on the ground to manage the attendant traffic effect.”

Also speaking to Tribune Online, a cross-section of truck operators warned that the effective or non-effective management of the resultant traffic gridlock could okay a big role in haulage cargo rates at the seaports.

In the words of Musa Abdullahi, a truck driver, “it is important that the resultant traffic at the Berger to Ogun River section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is effectively managed because there is no good alternative route upward North from the seaports.

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“The Ikorodu alternative route is in a despicable shape whole Papalanto axis along Lagos-Abeokuta road is also deplorable. So for many truckers, the Berger to Ogun River section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway is prime when taking cargoes up North or beyond Ibadan.

“We just hope the traffic is well managed to avoid a gridlock that could delay the movement of cargoes from the seaports. If the traffic is not well managed, then there could be an adjustment to our rates because the more time we spend in traffic, the more diesel that is used.”

Also speaking, another haulage operator, Ishola Famuyiwa wondered how the state government and Federal Government will effectively manage the traffic that is set to build along the route during road repair.

“In recent past, our leaders have lamented of the state of the Ikorodu and Papalanto roads, which are alternative routes to the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. However, the roads still remain in deplorable shape and they are talking of closing a section of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway for repairs.

“Many of us are into the business to make a profit, so if we spend more time in traffic, definitely we will hike haulage rates. It’s just logical,” Famuyiwa added.