Accidents: Lagos mulls designated routes for trucks, articulated vehicles

The Lagos State Government announced that it is considering the implementation of designated logistic routes for trucks and articulated vehicles, as outlined in the state’s Transport Master Plan. Commissioner for Transportation Dr. Frederic Oladeinde disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Ikeja. He explained that the decision follows a series of recurring truck accidents in the state, most recently those that resulted in loss of life and property. To curb these incidents, stakeholders are being convened regularly to develop robust strategies aimed at reducing truck accidents across Lagos.

Oladeinde emphasized that the safety and security of Lagosians remain a top priority for the government. He outlined a combination of policies that will be employed, including the erection of truck barriers, enforcement of minimum safety standards, and the restriction of articulated vehicle movement to designated routes. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, elaborated on the proposed logistic routes, noting that they are intended to regulate the operations of trucks on state roads. He stressed that the government does not wish to act unilaterally and therefore sought stakeholder engagement and dialogue with relevant unions before proceeding.

Toriola also mentioned that the ministry is reviewing the Minimum Safety Standard Procedure (SSP) for trucks and articulated vehicles currently implemented by the Nigerian Ports Authority. The review may modify the SSP to incorporate vehicle inspection services and involve officials from the Federal Road Safety Commission in the inspection process. He expressed the government’s willingness to collaborate with truck operators to ensure that drivers are well‑trained, adding that only qualified drivers will be permitted to operate trucks and articulated vehicles within the state.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, highlighted the urgency of the meeting, citing daily loss of lives due to driver negligence and irresponsible truck owners. He affirmed that a responsive and proactive government will not tolerate ongoing truck accidents that endanger innocent citizens. Giwa stressed that cooperation between the government and truck unions, supported by the police and state law‑enforcement agencies, is essential for restoring order on the roads.

Representatives from the Council of Maritime Transport Union and Association, led by Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun, called for genuine commitment and clear objectives from both parties to achieve the desired outcomes. Chief Remi Ogungbemi of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners urged the government to curb the activities of “area boys” who pose threats to members’ safety. Attendees also included representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association, the Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations, the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, among other stakeholders. All participants agreed to collaborate with the state government to address the challenges posed by truck and articulated‑vehicle drivers in Lagos.