Mayhem on Mile 2–Wharf–Apapa Corridor as Trucks Lay Siege to Port Access Roads

• Commuters stranded for hours, businesses grounded
• Customs agents blame NPA over worsening gridlock
• Tank farms, container terminals accused of fuelling traffic nightmare
By Frontline Reporters

Thousands of commuters, motorists, residents and business owners were thrown into chaos on Thursday as hundreds of articulated trucks overwhelmed the Mile 2–Wharf–Apapa corridor, triggering a massive traffic gridlock that paralysed movement and disrupted commercial activities across one of Nigeria’s busiest port access routes.

The gridlock, which stretched from the Berger/Kirikiri axis deep into the Apapa port corridor, left many travellers stranded for several hours. While some motorists abandoned their journeys in frustration, others were forced to make U-turns after remaining trapped in traffic with no sign of relief.

Maritime stakeholders attributed the worsening congestion to the increasing number of container terminals operating along the Berger/Kirikiri corridor, alleging that trucks transporting empty containers have virtually taken over the highways. They also blamed inadequate parking facilities provided by tank farms around the ports, saying the shortage has forced petroleum tankers and container trucks to indiscriminately occupy major sections of the road.

Residents and road users expressed frustration over what they described as the inability of relevant government agencies—including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, the Police and traffic management authorities—to implement lasting solutions despite the recurring traffic crisis. They warned that the persistent gridlock continues to inflict heavy economic losses on businesses and unbearable hardship on commuters.

A motorist, who spoke anonymously, said the traffic situation deteriorated significantly after the establishment of container terminals opposite the Catholic Church along the Berger/Kirikiri road. According to him, before the facilities were built, vehicular movement along the route was relatively smooth, but the influx of trucks heading to the terminals has transformed the expressway into a permanent parking lot despite the daily presence of traffic enforcement agencies.

Reacting to the development, the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) blamed the Nigerian Ports Authority for the persistent congestion. The Council’s President, Lucky Amiwero, argued that the affected roads are designated port access routes under the management of the NPA and insisted that the authority must accept responsibility for ensuring unhindered movement along the corridor. He maintained that the recurring gridlock reflects a failure in the management and coordination of port access operations.

The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) also decried the worsening situation, saying it has crippled logistics, disrupted port operations and negatively impacted businesses operating within the Apapa axis. The association’s General Secretary, Sani Mohammed, lamented that petroleum tankers have abandoned the single-lane arrangement and now occupy multiple lanes, effectively blocking access to the ports and worsening the congestion. He noted that transport fares have risen sharply as commercial vehicles spend long hours navigating the traffic, and appealed to both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government to urgently intervene.

On its part, the operator of the Electronic Call-Up System, Traffic Transit Point (TTP), said petroleum tankers are currently not captured under the electronic scheduling platform. The company’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Nancy Nnamdi, explained that although TTP has consistently advocated for the inclusion of petroleum tankers in the system, implementation remains dependent on government approval and effective enforcement. She stressed that the current traffic crisis cannot be blamed on the electronic call-up system alone.

The Nigerian Ports Authority, however, maintained that it is collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address the persistent gridlock and restore free movement along the critical port access roads.

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