NPA 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has inaugurated a multi-agency task force to tackle the resurgence of traffic congestion along the Lagos port access roads, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring seamless cargo evacuation and improving operational efficiency across Nigeria's seaports.

The initiative followed a high-level stakeholders' meeting convened by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, bringing together security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators, maritime unions, and officials of the Lagos State Government to develop coordinated strategies for restoring smooth traffic flow around the nation's busiest ports.

According to the NPA, discussions identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies, poor traffic coordination, and other operational bottlenecks as key contributors to the renewed congestion affecting cargo movement.

To address these challenges, the newly inaugurated task force comprises representatives of the NPA, Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).

The task force has been mandated to monitor truck movements along port access roads, identify potential disruptions capable of causing traffic build-up, and provide immediate intervention before such incidents escalate into major gridlock. The NPA emphasized that members of the task force will not establish roadblocks or checkpoints but will maintain strategic presence at designated locations to facilitate compliance while ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow.

To enhance coordination and rapid response, the authority has also created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report traffic incidents, operational challenges, or violations requiring immediate attention.

Addressing concerns over the delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) System contract, the NPA explained that it is currently reviewing the contractual framework to strengthen operational efficiency before awarding a new agreement. While the previous contract has expired, the ETO platform continues to operate under Truck Transit Parks to ensure uninterrupted truck scheduling pending completion of the procurement process.

Reaffirming the Authority's commitment to modernising Nigeria's port operations, NPA spokesperson Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara said efficient logistics, unrestricted access to ports, and sustained operational improvements remain central to the agency's vision. He noted that the Authority is determined to build on the international recognition recently received, including positive assessments by the World Bank, by further enhancing Nigeria's competitiveness within the global maritime sector.

ℙℝ𝕆𝔾ℝ𝔼𝕊𝕊 𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎𝕊 𝕀ℕ𝕊𝕀𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊

Efficient port operations are critical to national economic growth, international trade, and investor confidence. The NPA's coordinated approach demonstrates that resolving logistics challenges requires collaboration among government agencies, transport operators, and industry stakeholders rather than isolated interventions.

If effectively implemented and sustained, the initiative could significantly reduce cargo delays, lower transportation costs, improve supply chain efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria's position as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. Continued enforcement, transparency, and technology-driven traffic management will be essential to delivering lasting improvements and preventing a return to persistent gridlock.