By John Umeh
In a bold move to combat the perennial traffic congestion plaguing the state, the Lagos State Government has officially commenced the deployment of an electronic call-up system—widely referred to as the e-call up system—aimed at regulating the movement of articulated vehicles and reducing gridlock across major roads, especially in port-access areas like Apapa and Tin Can Island. While the initiative has been met with optimism by officials and some commuters, early reports indicate growing tension on the streets as residents and local community members begin confronting violators of the new system.
A Technological Solution to a Chronic Problem
The e-call up system, introduced by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation in partnership with private logistics stakeholders, is a digital scheduling platform designed to control truck movement through a booking mechanism. Vehicles, particularly tankers and trailers, are now required to secure clearance through the system before gaining access to restricted routes or approaching port corridors. The goal is to end the chaotic first-come, first-serve truck queues that have historically clogged roads, slowed commerce, and disrupted life for millions of Lagosians.
Speaking at the launch, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, emphasized the importance of collective compliance: “This is a game-changer in traffic management and urban mobility. We’re urging all transport unions, drivers, and fleet operators to respect the new order. Violations will be met with sanctions.”
Residents Push Back Against Non-Compliance
Despite the clear directive from authorities, several incidents have been reported where truck drivers, either out of ignorance or defiance, have attempted to bypass the e-call up protocol. In response, residents of affected communities—many of whom have long endured the consequences of gridlock—are beginning to take matters into their own hands.
In the Apapa, Mile 2, and Surulere axes, locals were seen confronting errant truck drivers, blocking unauthorized parking on feeder roads, and in some cases, using makeshift barriers to enforce access control. Videos circulating on social media show community members shouting down drivers who failed to present valid e-call up documentation.
“We’ve had enough of being prisoners in our homes,” said Mrs. Jumoke Adebanjo, a resident of Satellite Town. “For years, trailers have turned our streets into garages. Now that there’s a system in place, we’ll do our part to make sure it works—even if it means standing in front of these trucks ourselves.”
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
While the system promises order, early reactions among stakeholders remain mixed. Some truck drivers complain about the complexity and cost of registration, while others say delays in scheduling and poor awareness may hamper full compliance in the short term.
“The intention is good, but implementation is rough,” said Emeka Ofor, a tanker driver at Tin Can. “Many of us don’t fully understand how to use the app. Also, the terminals sometimes delay approvals, and we get penalized unfairly.”
However, logistics operators and freight forwarders have largely welcomed the move, calling it a necessary disruption. According to John Ekene, a port agent at Apapa: “Without digital scheduling, we’ll continue to suffer losses. Trucks must be timed and tracked. Lagos is too busy for guesswork.”
Enforcement and Next Steps
To strengthen compliance, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other law enforcement agencies have begun deploying monitoring teams along key routes. Offenders face fines, impoundment, or suspension from operating within the state.
Moreover, the government has pledged to work with community leaders to create a reporting system where residents can submit photos and complaints regarding violations. Training sessions and sensitization campaigns for truck drivers are also underway.
A New Era or False Start?
As the system gains traction, many Lagosians remain cautiously hopeful. The e-call up platform represents a shift toward digitizing traffic control and modernizing logistics in one of Africa’s most populated cities. But its success depends not only on technology but on stakeholder buy-in, public awareness, and consistent enforcement.
For residents who have long endured clogged roads, late-night horns, and environmental hazards caused by traffic bottlenecks, the system’s full implementation cannot come soon enough.
In the words of one resident holding a placard during a spontaneous protest: “This isn’t just about trucks—it’s about our lives, our sanity, and our right to move freely in our own city.”
