Lagos Launches E-Call Up For Trucks To Tackle Traffic Congestion In Lekki-Epe Corridor

The Lagos State government has formally launched its E-Call Up System to manage truck movements and ease congestion in the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone (FTZ) corridor in the State.

The E-Call Up system, launched on Monday, September 23, 2024, is expected to streamline traffic flow, reduce wait times for trucks, and enhance logistics within the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

The development was announced by the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Osiyemi explained that the E-Call Up System is a sustainable, technology-driven solution aimed at optimising truck scheduling and coordination in the area.

“To avert severe congestion caused by articulated trucks and improve the efficiency of logistics operations within the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone corridor, the Lagos State Government has commenced the E-Call Up System for managing truck movements within the axis from today, September 23, 2024,” the statement read. “The E-Call Up system is a sustainable, effective, and technology-driven solution for truck movement in the Lekki-Epe corridor.”

The system will not only reduce traffic congestion but also improve access to jobs and services, promoting economic growth by enhancing logistics efficiency and stimulating business activities in the region.

The E-Call Up System’s launch followed an initial postponement of the rollout, which was originally scheduled for August 1, 2024. The delay was aimed at ensuring a smooth implementation, with September 23 chosen as the new launch date.

In July 2024, the Lagos State Government announced its plans to introduce the E-Call Up System to manage articulated truck movements along the Lekki-Epe corridor. This system is expected to prevent the gridlock that has plagued areas like the Apapa-Tin Can corridor due to the influx of trucks.

Truck movements will be regulated through five designated holding parks: Hog Marketing Limited in Okorisan, Epe; Nilmage Two4Seven in Poka, Epe; Goldspeed Freight Agency Ltd. opposite Dangote Refinery; Diamond Star Ports and Terminal Ltd. in Abule Panu; and Tal Concept Ltd. at HFP Brick Industry along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

To further improve traffic flow, a ban on truck movements during peak hours—from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.—will be enforced. Compliance will be monitored by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Taskforce, and the Police, ensuring a more organized and efficient transport system in the region.