Joyce Mmereole Okoli
Apapa’s notorious traffic nightmare has returned barely two weeks after a brief period of relief sparking renewed frustration among residents, port workers and motorists who had hoped the chaotic gridlock was finally easing.
Recall that a report on this was earlier published in October. The report triggered swift intervention by relevant government agencies, leading to temporary relief. But by mid-November, the old disorder began creeping back.
On Friday, November 14, the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim, led his management team on-the-spot inspections to dislodge indiscriminate truck parking along major routes. During the exercise, a truck was found positioned on the strategic roundabout connecting Burma Road and Commercial Road, a spot notorious for illegal parking before enforcement operations briefly restored order.
While sections of Burma Road and Creek Road now enjoy mild relief, other areas remain severely clogged. Warehouse Road leading to Commercial Road through Niger Bus Stop is still heavily choked, leaving commuters stranded for long periods.
The perennial congestion at Wharf inward Apapa Port persists, often forcing desperate motorists to drive against traffic, a dangerous and punishable offense.
When contacted, the Port Manager urged to allow him until November 27 for a formal interview on the situation.
Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Communications at Truck Transit Park (TTP), Nancie Nnadi, has pointed fingers at terminal operators, accusing them of contributing to the gridlock through slow, inefficient operations that force trucks to spill onto busy access roads.
As agencies trade blame and enforcement efforts fluctuate, Apapa’s gridlock long considered one of Nigeria’s most stubborn urban challenges, appears to be reasserting itself once again, leaving port users to wonder how long the latest breakdown in traffic order will last.