By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Maritime Police Command, the Lagos State Government and other key maritime stakeholders have established a joint task force aimed at addressing persistent traffic congestion, extortion and security challenges along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday as part of efforts to improve efficiency and restore order around Nigeria’s busiest port access routes.
The newly constituted task force has been mandated to eliminate illegal checkpoints, dismantle shanties, curb extortion and remove indiscriminate truck parking that has contributed to recurring gridlock in the port environment.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the collaboration was designed to provide lasting solutions to operational bottlenecks affecting the free movement of vehicles and cargo around the ports.
According to Dantsoho, stakeholders identified overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and truck operators as one of the key factors undermining efficiency within the port corridors.
He explained that discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Maritime Police Command, the Lagos State Police Command and other security agencies operating within the port ecosystem.
“What is established in port operations is that there is a police command for the port system and the Lagos State Police Command. So there are overlaps in responsibilities,” he said.
Dantsoho noted that stakeholders agreed to improve coordination and information sharing to ensure smoother port operations and eliminate delays, extortion and disruptions affecting importers, exporters and other port users.
He disclosed that security agencies present at the meeting, including the Maritime Police Command and the Lagos State Police Command, clarified that they do not authorise roadblocks or illegal checkpoints along port access roads.
The NPA boss described the clarification as a major outcome of the engagement and a step towards addressing concerns raised by operators within the maritime sector.
He said the coordinated effort involves a broad range of stakeholders, including the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, freight forwarders and relevant government institutions.
Dantsoho further revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police had pledged their support for measures aimed at improving operational standards and aligning Nigerian port operations with global best practices.
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The NPA managing director also highlighted recent improvements in the performance of Nigerian ports, noting that they had been recognised by the World Bank among the most improved port systems globally.
He attributed the progress to ongoing reforms initiated by the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Dantsoho expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership among stakeholders would enhance efficiency, improve trade facilitation, boost cargo movement and support seamless port operations across the country.
The initiative is expected to provide relief for businesses and logistics operators that have long grappled with congestion and operational challenges along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
