Lagos: The Lagos State Government is set to enforce the Electronic Call-Up (e-Call-Up) system for tankers and other articulated vehicles operating along the Lekki-Epe Corridor, starting from June 16. This initiative aims to enhance logistics coordination and mitigate traffic congestion, potentially saving Lagos residents around four trillion naira annually.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, highlighted that Lagos residents lose approximately four hours each day due to traffic congestion, leading to an annual financial loss of about four trillion naira. Giwa pointed out that much of the traffic gridlock is caused by unregulated parking and disorderly loading and unloading activities on major logistics routes.

The e-Call-Up system is also intended to improve road safety. All drivers of articulated vehicles entering Lagos for loading or unloading must now register and schedule their movements through the e-Call-Up platform. This digital system aims to coordinate truck movements, reduce indiscriminate roadside parking, and minimize disruptions to other road users.

Under the new system, tanker operators will need to upload their Authority to Load (ATL) and pre-book assigned parking slots before arriving in Lagos. The e-Call-Up platform will also gather vital travel and cargo information, facilitating efficient allocation of designated parking spaces. Giwa stated that the facilities would be equipped with basic amenities such as restrooms, kitchens, and electricity to ensure the comfort and safety of drivers.

The Lagos State Government has approved seven dedicated truck parks on the Lekki-Epe axis to support the policy's implementation. This policy is the result of over two years of extensive stakeholder engagement and forms a crucial part of the state's broader transportation reform agenda, aimed at transforming Lagos into a smart, resilient, and livable city.