NPA inaugurates multi-agency taskforce to tackle port congestion
By Taiwo Scholarstica
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has inaugurated a multi-agency taskforce aimed at tackling traffic congestion and operational bottlenecks along the Apapa and Tincan Island port corridors.
The move comes nearly two decades after the 2006 port concession programme, which transferred terminal operations to private operators while the NPA retained its role as landlord and regulator of Nigeria’s seaports.
The concession exercise, supervised by former NPA Managing Director, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, was expected to stimulate investment, create jobs and improve port efficiency through private sector participation in cargo handling, dock labour and terminal management.
Under the Nigerian Ports Authority Act 1999, Cap. 126, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, the NPA is empowered to provide, maintain and regulate port facilities, making it the statutory authority responsible for the regulation and development of the country’s seaports.
Despite years of reforms, concerns have persisted over congestion, operational inefficiencies and the growing presence of both authorised and unauthorised agencies within the ports, a development many stakeholders say has contributed to delays, extortion and increased costs of doing business.
Since assuming office on July 22, 2024, Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has introduced measures aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and efficiency of Nigerian ports.
Although the Federal Government had previously streamlined the number of agencies permitted to operate within the ports to improve efficiency, stakeholders say several official and unofficial bodies have gradually returned, creating overlapping responsibilities, traffic congestion and disruptions to cargo evacuation.
In response, Dantsoho convened a meeting involving security agencies, traffic management authorities, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government to develop strategies for easing the persistent traffic gridlock affecting port operations.
According to the NPA, illegal extortion points, duplication of responsibilities among security agencies and other operational challenges have been identified as major contributors to congestion along the port access roads.
Speaking on the initiative, the NPA General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the taskforce was established to ensure the smooth movement of cargo into and out of the Lagos ports.
He explained that the team comprises officials from the NPA, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners.
“The responsibility of the taskforce is to monitor truck movement on the port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock and immediately resolve such challenges,” Onyemakara said.
He noted that members of the taskforce are prohibited from setting up checkpoints along the port corridors and would instead maintain a strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without disrupting traffic.
“To enhance rapid response, the taskforce has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.”
On the renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system, Onyemakara said the NPA was reviewing the contract terms to ensure a stronger operational framework before awarding a new contract.
“On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up ETO system contract, the NPA is currently reviewing the terms and conditions to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh contract,” he said.
He added that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remained operational under the management of Truck Transit Parks pending the completion of the procurement process.
Reaffirming the authority’s commitment to improving logistics, Onyemakara said, “I wish to reaffirm the commitment of NPA to maintaining free traffic flow on port access roads, because efficient logistics remain central to the Authority’s drive towards improving Nigeria’s port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.”
He further stated, “We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest.”
Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the multi-agency taskforce will restore confidence in port operations, reduce traffic delays and lower the cost of doing business at Nigeria’s seaports by ensuring smoother cargo movement and improved coordination among relevant agencies.