The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has been identified as the worst government agency that disrupts the smooth running of transportation and logistics in the metropolis.

A survey conducted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in July sampled opinions from about 100 respondents on the various day-to-day challenges they faced in the logistics business in Lagos.

While the respondents mentioned LASTMA personnel as the greatest obstacle to the logistics business, no mention was made of the dilapidated roads in the state.

The respondents were said to include members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and heads of logistics in member firms of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, among others.

In a list of challenges that inhibit logistics in Lagos, LASTMA came top at 26 per cent as the worst government agency; the Vehicle Inspection Office came second at 21 per cent; while the Federal Road Safety Commission was third at 16 per cent.

The Nigeria Police Force came fourth at 15 per cent; street urchins popularly called area boys were fifth at 15 per cent; the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency was sixth at four per cent; and the NURTW came last at three per cent.

The survey also listed the most recurring issues that came up between the drivers, haulage trucks and the government agencies whenever they were stopped. Wrong parking, identified as a favourite theme of LASTMA, topped the list of key issues that often come up in such situations.

Demand for gratification was the second most frequent issue with LASTMA, the VIO and the NPF whenever the personnel had encounters with drivers and the haulage truck operators. The use of seatbelt came third on the list of key issues with the LATSMA, VIO and FRSC.

A list of the most hostile routes in Lagos was also identified in the survey. These routes were said to be those where some of the government agencies had the most presence.

The Aguiyi-Ironsi/Ojodu Berger axis topped the list at 40 per cent; Mile 2/Apapa axis came second at 27 per cent; Falomo/Onikan roundabout was third at 26 per cent; Oshodi/Apapa axis came fourth at 26 per cent; the Kudirat Abiola Way, Ikeja was fifth at 25 per cent; and Ikorodu Road via Ojota bus stop was last at 15 per cent.

The Director-General, LCCI, Mr. Muda Yusuf, who represented the President, said the survey was commissioned because of the importance transport played in business operations.

He said, “The challenges industries face concerning logistics are also challenges to the LCCI. From the feedback that we have received from industry stakeholders, a critical element of business is logistics.

“The delivery of goods and services has emerged as one of the major factors stifling businesses. While we appreciate the efforts of the relevant security agencies in keeping law, order and discipline on our roads, it is also important that they know how some of their operations are negatively affecting transportation.”

Other issues raised by stakeholders at a forum to present the report of the survey included multiplicity of levies from state and local government agents and gross overlap of duties among LASTMA, FRSC and VIO officials.

The Director of Transportation Engineering, Mr. Frederick Olofin, who represented the Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, said the issues raised could only be resolved through the collective efforts of all stakeholders.

“We should also remember that the road use density in Lagos is one of the highest in the world. Things were worse than this before LASTMA was constituted. To stop problems of bribery and extortion, we all have to play our part. We should acquaint ourselves with the traffic law of the state,” he added.

http://www.punchng.com/business/transport/lcci-condemns-lastma-frsc-others-for-logistics-disruption/

I guess LASTMA and Road Safety don deal with a member......