Osinbajo’s Deadline to Apapa Tanker Drivers

I need to remind Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that his 72-hour deadline to security agents and traffic managers to clear the mess created by tanker drivers in and around the Apapa ports has failed. Almost four months after Osinbajo gave the order for the clearance of the gridlock, Apapa remains a big mess. Recall that the VP visited Lagos on July 20 and dashed to Apapa to see the madness of tanker drivers on the roads leading to the ports and inside Apapa itself. After experiencing the gridlock, which has made vehicular movement almost impossible, our VP gave instruction for a 72-hour joint operation by security and traffic managers, to restore order in Apapa and its environs. Of course, I knew Osinbajo was showboating. Many, who are easily deceived, thought succour was on the way for the traumatised residents and businesses in Apapa, with Osinbajo’s instruction. I have been proved right.

Almost four months down the line, Apapa remains one big mess, with residents and businesses gasping for breath. Coldblooded tanker drivers have made lives miserable for those entering or leaving Apapa. My dear Osinbajo has suddenly forgotten that he gave an order for the gridlock to be cleared within 72 hours.

On Monday, the six governors in the South-west desperately called on the federal government to urgently find a lasting solution to the Apapa gridlock. I am not sorry to say that the federal government lacks the capacity to clear the Apapa gridlock. It’s a big shame. For now, billions of Naira and man hours go down the drains daily, as trucks continue their madness in and around Nigeria’s largest ports. Many businesses and home owners have been forced to flee Apapa. The situation here is hopeless. What a country!