Dangote Refinery: New highway coming for oil tankers, says Sanwo-Olu

THE Lagos State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has allayed the anxiety among some residents of Lekki-Epe axis over the imminent traffic gridlock the operations of Dangote Refinery will bring to the area.

To tackle any consequent gridlock, Sanwo-Olu said his campaign team had started discussions with Dangote Group and other developers in the area on the need for partnership to build a dedicated carriageway for trucks.

He said this would open between Lagos and Ogun states.

The APC candidate stated this in Yaba during his consultative meeting with members of Favourites Club of Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu was accompanied to the event by his running mate, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.

The refinery project, which is said to be nearing completion, is located in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.

After completion, the residents fear there could be more pressure on the expressway due to the anticipated influx of heavy-duty trucks to the area, which may compound the traffic situation.

But Sanwo-Olu said his government would immediately respond to the apprehension, if elected.

The APC candidate promised that there would be an alternative route for oil tankers and trucks that would ply the site of the refinery.

He promised commuters on Lekki-Epe Expressway that the road would not be affected by the refinery’s activities.

Sanwo-Olu said: “We have been hearing people say that the Lekki-Epe Expressway would be impassable when the Dangote Refinery starts operation. We are not going to deny that there would be pressure on this important highway. But we have started to respond to this anxiety and we are already in talks with Dangote Group and developers around the axis to create a new dedicated highway for the trucks that will be plying the route.

“Adding more pressure to the Lekki-Epe Expressway would compound the traffic situation on that road. The sensible thing to do is for us to have another highway for trailers that will be going to the refinery. This highway should lead to Ogun State from where the trucks can go to other parts of the country. This new route would be a big relief for the residents and businesses in Ajah and Lekki.”

Reducing traffic jams in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said, is one of cardinal programmes of his administration, if elected.

The APC candidate said his government would also welcome ideas from the public, promising to implement any solution-based initiative that would engender free flow of traffic in the state.