Indiscriminate Parking of Trucks Causing Gridlock and Hindering Free Movement Along Dangote-Ilaro Route

Opinion:

BY ADEYANJU OLANIRAN

The Federal Government’s attention is urgently needed to address the ongoing hardships imposed by the management of Dangote Cement Factory, Ibese plant, on the masses who travel along the Igbogila, Imasayi, Ibese-Ilaro routes.

The lack of a dedicated trailer park, despite the company’s extensive operations, reflects a troubling disregard for the well-being of road users.

For the past three weeks, trucks bound for the factory have monopolized one lane of the two-lane road, causing severe congestion. This single-lane operation effectively turns the highway into an extension of the company’s loading area, obstructing free movement and creating hazardous conditions.

The unchecked behavior of truck drivers on this route has led to frequent accidents, one of which recently claimed the life of a prominent staff member in the mining department. This tragic incident underscores the need for stringent measures to prevent further loss of life due to road negligence.

In addition to traffic issues, the company’s attempt to level a swampy open space in areas 3 and 4 using cement waste has led to severe air pollution. The resulting dust cloud creates a health risk for nearby residents and travelers, posing a significant threat to public health and quality of life.

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, I found myself trapped in the traffic caused by these trucks for over an hour, enduring extreme heat. The attitudes of the truck drivers suggested they viewed the road as the company’s property, disregarding the rights of other road users.

This message aims to reach Alhaji Aliko Dangote, CEO of Dangote Cement, to make him aware of the neglect shown by his management team at the Ibese factory toward public welfare. Unlike Lafarge Cement at Ewekoro, which operates without creating such disruptions, Dangote Cement’s lack of a proper trailer park has created chaos for road users.

I passionately urge the Ogun West Senator to bring this issue before the Senate and seek government intervention. Local authorities should be empowered to create a task force, involving TRACE, FRSC, military personnel, and police officers, to regulate the indiscriminate parking of trucks on this route.

To ensure accountability, fines and sanctions should be imposed on truck drivers who park irresponsibly. The company should be mandated to establish a functional trailer park by the end of 2024; failure to comply should result in halting production until the necessary requirements for a responsible industry operation are met.

I call upon the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, backed by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to intervene. Additionally, our traditional leaders, who may have experienced the hardships caused by Dangote Cement, should advocate for government action to bring relief to the affected communities.

While I am not a journalist, as a mathematician and a dedicated Yewa man, I feel compelled to advocate for the safety and rights of my people. I will continue to raise awareness on social media until Dangote Cement’s management takes the necessary steps to address these issues.

Yours sincerely,
Adeyanju Joseph Olaniran
ajosola2011@yahoo.com
+2348034812515