In view of the 14-days extension of the lockdown to curtail spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Presidential Task Team on Law and Order in Apapa, headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has issued fresh guidelines on port operations, saying that trucks would no longer be permitted to move at night.
In the guideline which was signed by the Vice Chairman of the team, Comrade Kayode Opeif, the government however made some exemptions which include branded trucks of manufacturing concerns, including Dangote Group, BUA Group, HoneyWell Group, Flour Mills Nigeria FMN Standard Flour, Others.
The guideline also states that all articulated trucks along the port corridor including Wharf road, Commercial road, Warehouse and Creek roads must be evacuated by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) with heavy consequences and penalty for their owners.
Comrade Opeifa said the decisions were taken by the team after due consultation with major Stakeholders operating within the Lagos Port Sector.
According to the new guidelines, assistant drivers, popularly known as “Motor Boy” will no longer be allowed as only the Truck and tanker drivers would be allowed into the ports.
The presidential task team also stated that “The Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) must provide hand washing facilities at the Lagos Truck Transit Park and the Tin Can Island Port Transit park including port gate for truck driver use”
“All fuel depots management within the corridor are to provide same at every Depot entry and exit point”
“Furthermore, all truck and tanker drivers should carry a personal hand sanitiser to be applied at every control point, entry and exit of transit truck parks and Port gates”
“Container trucks will stay out of Apapa Maritime Logistic Corridor until called it’s called by the NPA and Access provided by the TTP”
The guidelines further reads that not more than 20 trucks will be called at a time at the nominated parks.