The Lagos State Government on July 29, 2025, reported that over 10,000 vehicles have registered for its newly implemented electronic call-up system as enforcement commenced along the bustling Lekki-Epe Expressway corridor.
Launched on July 15 to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and improve road safety, the initiative mandates all commercial and private vehicles to obtain digital permits through the E-Call Up portal, with a ₦50,000 fine imposed for non-compliance starting July 28. The 15-kilometer stretch, a commercial lifeline handling over 40,000 vehicles daily, has long suffered 2-hour delays, contributing to an estimated ₦10 billion annual economic loss, according to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Lagos Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) deployed 150 enforcement officers, recording 200 violations within the first 24 hours, alongside 12,000 total registrations, reflecting strong uptake from transport unions and private operators. The system, integrated with GPS tracking, aims to regulate entry points and reduce idle traffic by 30%, based on pilot results from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
However, challenges persist, with small-scale operators reporting app glitches and a ₦10,000 registration fee, equating to 5% of their monthly earnings, as significant barriers. State officials countered by offering a 50% discount for the first 5,000 registrants, but critics from the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology argue that infrastructure upgrades, like additional lanes, are equally critical. The narrative of technological innovation is promising, yet its long-term success hinges on addressing accessibility issues and ensuring consistent enforcement across the corridor.