According to a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media & Publicity, Laolu Akande, the extension was approved by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, at a meeting of the Presidential Taskforce with stakeholders at the Presidential Villa.
“We will extend the tenure of the task force by two weeks and we must all work together to be able to resolve all the issues raised here today.”
The statement added that Osinbajo asked the committee to find a lasting solution to the gridlock.
“It will take both medium and long term solutions to ultimately enable us to present to the users an efficient port environment for the economy and businesses to thrive.”
He warned that; “we will not allow any interests to undermine our nation’s economy.”
The Vice President also directed the NPA and other stakeholders to expedite action on the opening of additional truck parks and parking bays around Lagos as well as the commencement of the electronic call-up system at the Port.
The taskforce which commenced its assignment on May 24, had up to June 7 to complete the assignment but is now expected to present a formal report at the end of its extended mandate on June 24.
A presidential directive was issued for the clearing up of the gridlock and the restoration of law and order to Apapa and its environs within 2 weeks.
The task force which is supervised by an Executive Vice Chairman, Kayode Opeifa, has other members drawn from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Shippers Council.
Others include a special unit of the Nigeria Police Force led by a Commissioner of Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), representatives of the Truck Transport Union, the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), and other relevant MDAs.