The Lagos State government has announced that full enforcement of the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system will commence on March 1, 2025.

The technology-driven system was developed over two years in response to anticipated high truck traffic in the Lekki-Epe corridor due to the operations of the Lekki Deep Seaport, Lekki Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and other major industries. The initiative aims to streamline logistics, prevent indiscriminate parking, and enhance operational efficiency.

According to the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Bolanle Ogunlola, the state government has given truck operators adequate time to integrate into the system.

Multiple stakeholder engagement meetings were held to educate operators on its benefits, and the enforcement timeline was repeatedly adjusted to encourage voluntary compliance.

“With enforcement now in full effect, the state government urges truckers to comply with the system. “Adequate time was given for stakeholders to come on board, and several postponements were made to allow total integration,” Ogunlola stated.

The first phase of enforcement, the Deputy Director explained, began on January 24, resulting in the apprehension of 10 non-compliant trucks. These vehicles were later released after assurances from stakeholders that they would adopt the system.

But on February 21, 11 additional trucks were impounded, leading to an attack on enforcement officers. Some suspects were arrested but later released in another demonstration of government’s goodwill.

She, however, warned that further leniency should not be mistaken for weakness.

“The state government warns that these acts of clemency should not be seen as weakness. From March 1, total enforcement will commence, and all violators will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law,” Ogunlola added.

Speaking on the broader implementation of the e-call-up system, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said the initiative is critical for preventing traffic gridlock and ensuring seamless operations in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

He stated that the state government will oversee traffic management and enforcement, ensuring that both wet and dry cargo trucks adhere to the new system.

Giwa also said the Ministry of Transportation had recently engaged major stakeholders including Pinnacle, Dangote, Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Free Zone, Lekki Port, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Council Development Area (LCDA) to discuss the system’s deployment and ensure full alignment.

He said his office is committed to proactively addressing the imminent challenges associated with increased truck activities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone.

With the full implementation of the e-call-up system, the state aims to create a structured, business-friendly environment in the Ibeju-Lekki corridor, ensuring that commerce, industrial activities, and real estate investments are not hindered by uncontrolled truck movements.