NPA warns Apapa Terminals over pollution, reviews call-up system
...Begins reviewed ETO operations at Apapa Port
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has issued warning letters to four terminal operators at the Apapa Port Complex for violating environmental standards and contributing to pollution within the facility.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday in Lagos by the Port Complex Manager, Mr. Debo Lawal, who described port management as a task that demands constant vigilance across operational, environmental, and security fronts.
Lawal explained that NPA remains committed to ensuring environmental compliance at all terminals. “In line with efforts to promote environmental sustainability, four terminals recently received warning letters for breaching their lease agreements and contributing to pollution within the Apapa Port Complex,” he said.
He cited an example of a factory releasing emissions into a neighbouring terminal, adding that NPA has directed the factory to adjust its funnel to reduce harmful discharges. Physical inspections, he noted, are regularly carried out to verify reported infractions.
Although sanctions exist for environmental breaches, Lawal stated that NPA prefers dialogue before resorting to punitive measures. Operators are given specific directives and deadlines, such as reconfiguring factory funnels or installing combustion controls, to align with international best practices.
On security, the Port Manager outlined ongoing collaboration between NPA’s security department and the marine police, including regular patrols of the port and its waterways. He disclosed that management has provided additional watercraft to the marine police to boost surveillance ahead of the September to December peak season.
Lawal also confirmed that the Electronic Call-Up (ETO) system had been reviewed and relaunched at Apapa Port on Monday to eliminate inefficiencies and streamline operations. He explained that trucks had previously created congestion by mixing up terminal routes due to the absence of barriers.
“The review ensures proper order. For instance, trucks designated for APMT cannot mistakenly access ENL terminal, as barriers are now automated with the ETO system,” he said.
According to him, all five terminals at Apapa Port will now operate with colour codes and serial numbers to prevent unauthorised truck movements. “For example, APMT has serial number 001 with a blue colour code, while ENL Consortium is 002 with an orange colour,” he explained.
He added that the system upgrade would end the practice of “criss-crossing”, where trucks carrying empty containers and exports linger around the port in search of alternative business. Analysis, he said, revealed that ENL requires only about 100 trucks daily, not all of which need to be on the road at once, making rescheduling necessary.
Lawal stressed that all trucks must pass through government-approved transit parks before gaining access to designated terminals, ensuring improved efficiency and orderliness at the port.