The Lagos State Government has announced that the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system will take effect on the Lekki-Epe corridor from September 23, 2024. Source: Nairametrics

 

The Lagos State Government has officially announced that the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system will be implemented along the Lekki-Epe corridor starting on September 23, 2024. This initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to manage traffic congestion, streamline the movement of goods, and improve logistics within Lagos, particularly in the rapidly growing Lekki-Epe axis.

The e-call-up system is a technology-driven solution aimed at controlling and managing the movement of trucks, tankers, and other heavy-duty vehicles. It involves a scheduling mechanism that allocates specific times for vehicles to enter or use certain routes. The system is designed to reduce the number of trucks that congest key corridors, particularly those leading to industrial and port areas.

Initially introduced at the Apapa and Tin Can ports to manage port-bound traffic, the e-call-up system has proven effective in reducing the chaotic gridlock caused by indiscriminate parking and unregulated movements of trucks. Now, the system will be expanded to the Lekki-Epe corridor, a critical part of Lagos' infrastructure due to its growing commercial and industrial activities.

The Lekki-Epe corridor has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with several major developments that have transformed the area into a hub of economic activity. Key projects such as the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the Lekki Deep Sea Port have increased the volume of industrial and commercial traffic along the axis. These projects have made the area one of Nigeria’s most important logistics and business hubs, but they have also brought with them significant challenges related to road usage, traffic management, and infrastructure strain.

The Lekki-Epe corridor is also a major route for heavy-duty trucks, transporting goods in and out of the region’s industrial zones and ports. With increased traffic flow, there has been a corresponding rise in congestion, leading to delays, accidents, and logistical inefficiencies. The introduction of the e-call-up system is expected to alleviate these problems by regulating truck movements and ensuring smoother operations along this important corridor.

Hon. Babajide Sanwo Olu

Reduce Traffic Congestion: The primary goal is to address the notorious traffic bottlenecks that have plagued the Lekki-Epe axis due to the high volume of trucks. By scheduling when trucks can enter certain roads, the government aims to eliminate the practice of trucks parking indiscriminately along highways and causing long delays.

Enhance Road Safety: Heavy-duty trucks parked along roadsides have been a major cause of road accidents in the area. By ensuring trucks follow a regulated schedule and stay off the roads until their designated times, the e-call-up system is expected to enhance safety for all road users.

Improve Logistics Efficiency: The e-call-up system will also help logistics companies and port operators by reducing waiting times and creating more predictable schedules for transporting goods. The improved efficiency will have a ripple effect on businesses operating within and around the corridor, potentially reducing costs associated with delays.

Preserve Infrastructure: Traffic congestion, especially involving heavy-duty trucks, puts enormous strain on road infrastructure. With a more organized traffic flow, there will be less wear and tear on the roads, which can help extend the lifespan of the infrastructure and reduce the need for frequent repairs.

The e-call-up system will operate through an electronic platform where truck operators and logistics companies will schedule their trips to and from the Lekki-Epe corridor. Trucks will be assigned specific slots based on the time of day and availability of space. Once the slot is confirmed, trucks will be permitted to enter the road at their scheduled time.

To ensure compliance, the Lagos State Government will likely deploy monitoring tools such as GPS tracking, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, and real-time traffic management systems. This will enable authorities to monitor truck movements and ensure that only vehicles with approved call-up slots are allowed access to the roads.

Logistics Companies and Truck Owners: The implementation of the e-call-up system will require logistics operators to adopt more structured planning and operations. While this may initially present challenges in terms of adjusting to the new system, the long-term benefits include reduced delays, better scheduling, and a more efficient transportation process.

Business Operations: Businesses operating in the Lekki-Epe area, particularly those within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, the Dangote Refinery, and other industrial complexes, stand to benefit from smoother traffic conditions and improved delivery times for goods.

Residents and Commuters: For the millions of residents living along the Lekki-Epe corridor, the e-call-up system promises to bring relief from the severe traffic jams that have become a daily challenge. Improved traffic flow will enhance the overall quality of life and reduce the time spent on the road for commuters.

Port Operators: The implementation of the e-call-up system is expected to enhance operations at the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is projected to become one of the busiest in West Africa. With better control of traffic leading to and from the port, the efficiency of cargo handling and transport will likely improve.

While the e-call-up system offers numerous benefits, its successful implementation will depend on a few key factors:

Technological Infrastructure: The system requires a reliable technology backbone, including robust internet connectivity and real-time data management. Any technical glitches could disrupt operations and cause further delays.

Enforcement: Strict enforcement of the e-call-up system is necessary to ensure compliance. The Lagos State Government must put in place adequate monitoring and sanction mechanisms for violators.

Stakeholder Engagement: For the system to work smoothly, there needs to be continued engagement with key stakeholders, including logistics companies, port operators, and the local communities, to address any concerns and ensure cooperation.

The Lagos State Government's introduction of the e-call-up system on the Lekki-Epe corridor is a welcome development aimed at addressing the growing traffic challenges in one of Nigeria's most critical economic regions. If successfully implemented, the system will reduce congestion, enhance road safety, and improve the efficiency of logistics operations, benefiting both businesses and residents in the area. This initiative reflects Lagos' commitment to embracing smart technology solutions to improve urban mobility and infrastructure management in the state.