NPA Tightens Truck Control, Moves to End Lagos Port Gridlock

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified efforts to eliminate truck congestion and improve cargo evacuation at the Lagos Port Complex, introducing stricter truck movement controls and scheduled releases as part of sweeping reforms aimed at restoring efficiency to Nigeria’s busiest seaports.

The General Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Mr. Debo Lawal, disclosed the development during an interview with journalists in Lagos on Monday, saying the initiative underscores the commitment of the NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, to align Nigeria’s port operations with global best practices.

Lawal said the Authority, in collaboration with Truck Transit Parks Ltd. (TTP), has adopted a phased truck release system designed to regulate traffic flow into the port terminals and eliminate indiscriminate truck parking along port access roads.

Under the new arrangement, trucks will be released in scheduled batches based on the operational needs of individual terminals, rather than allowing all approved trucks into the port corridor at the same time.

“If a terminal requires 100 trucks, they will not all be released at once. They will come in batches to reduce pressure on the port access roads,” Lawal explained.

He disclosed that a joint task force has been actively clearing the Apapa and Tin Can Island port access roads since June 26, 2026, operating daily until about 8 p.m. to ensure compliance and prevent illegal truck parking.

According to him, the Authority plans to sustain the exercise through periodic clearance operations to consolidate the gains recorded and prevent a relapse into the notorious gridlock that once crippled activities around the ports.

Lawal, however, appealed to truck operators and drivers to cooperate with the ongoing reforms by vacating the port environment immediately after loading or offloading their cargo.

He lamented that despite continuous engagement with truck owners and their associations, some drivers still park indiscriminately along access roads after completing their port transactions.

“We engage truckers and their leadership every day, but enforcement will continue alongside sensitisation to ensure compliance,” he said.

On infrastructure development, Lawal revealed that the Federal Government, through the NPA, has commenced payment of the five per cent counterpart funding required for the 726 million-dollar port rehabilitation project.

He said preliminary works, including borehole drilling and site investigations, have been completed, while contractors are expected to mobilise to site before the end of July.

The Port Manager further disclosed that a technical stakeholders’ meeting was held on July 7, while a broader stakeholders’ review took place on July 13 to assess progress and address implementation challenges.

According to him, the ambitious port rehabilitation project is expected to significantly reduce cargo clearance time, eliminate documentation bottlenecks and improve operational efficiency across Nigeria’s seaports.

Lawal also announced that the National Single Window project has reached approximately 80 per cent completion, with a dedicated office already established near the port to facilitate seamless inter-agency collaboration.

He explained that the digital platform will integrate key stakeholders, including banks, the Nigeria Customs Service, shipping companies and other government agencies, thereby enhancing efficiency, plugging revenue leakages and boosting government earnings.

Expressing optimism about the ongoing reforms, Lawal stated that increased digitisation, reduced human interference and efficient truck management would strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and transform operations at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

He reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to creating a modern, efficient and globally competitive port system capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and facilitating seamless international