The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Thursday said that he was deeply concerned about the Apapa gridlock, adding the problem has given him with sleepless nights.
Fashola who spoke during a stakeholders meeting said he was even more worried now as Christmas approaches.
He said that his concern has to do with the amount of suffering that many companies, residents and other individuals have been facing as a result of the gridlock.
He said that importers and exporters need to understand the pain they cause people of Lagos as the current road repair is being carried out, adding that they ought to think of what can ease the pain.
He suggested other ports outside Lagos, including Calabar and Warri, but noted that these seaports may not be convenient.
Fashola called on stakeholders to set up a committee that will check tanker and truck drivers from causing more pains to people. Engr. Joseph Makoju , who is Honorary Adviser to the President/ CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, promised that the road reconstruction work will be completed in the next one year.
Stakeholders who were in the meeting attended by customs agents, officials of agencies of government in the maritime sector and members of National Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) said they will continue to offer assistance to reduce the pains that people were going through.