A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF THE CHALLENGES OF THE APAPA PORT ACCESS FOR COMMUTERS

ABSTRACT: Transportation and traffic problems particularly, traffic congestion, delays, parking space difficulties, environmental pollution which started to manifest in Lagos since the early 1980's have continued to increase at an alarming rate and have now reached an abominable stage in recent years. It is pertinent to highlight the relevance of creek road in Apapa. Any traffic hindrance on it will definitely generate a lot of hiccups in the logistics business that is the core activity on this road. The aim of this study is to critically evaluate accessibility to Lagos port. The objectives are to: determine the traffic characteristics; traffic congestion; and determine the points of conflicts in Apapa, carry out traffic counts and determine its flow along these intersections. Propose alternative modal choice at relieving the traffic madness in and out of Apapa. The study has found that the rise in vehicular activities owing to the population increase and economic activity, there has been over dependence on the seaports for delivery of cargo and the availability of oil tank farms also affects the level of service provided by the road and its intersections. Therefore, the study has found out that there is a need to increase capacity of the roads and its intersection. Then, the study concluded that based on its findings, the authorities need to put the roads in good conditions for its efficiency. The government should step up their related regulatory roles of the port logistics business, provide and sensitize the usage of alternatives to road movement of cargoes. The use of rail and higher vessels for moving containers to both off-dock terminals and across the cities should be encouraged. Rail form of transportation should be encouraged as a means of accessing the ports.