NPA LAUNCHES MULTI-AGENCY TASK FORCE TO TACKLE LAGOS PORT TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has inaugurated a multi-agency task force to address the resurgence of traffic congestion along the Lagos port access roads, in a renewed effort to ensure seamless cargo evacuation and sustain improvements in port efficiency.
The initiative follows a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate bottlenecks affecting cargo movement.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NPA said participants at the meeting identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies and other operational inefficiencies as major factors contributing to the renewed gridlock along the port corridor.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, said the authority remained committed to ensuring the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the task force comprises representatives of the NPA, the Nigeria Police Force, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).
Onyemekara said the task force has been mandated to monitor truck movements along the port access roads, identify disruptions capable of causing traffic congestion and immediately resolve such issues.
“The responsibility of the task force is to monitor truck movement on the port access roads on a regular basis, identify any disruption capable of causing gridlock, and immediately resolve such challenges,” he said.
He clarified that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic flow.
To facilitate swift response to emerging issues, Onyemekara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can promptly report infractions and traffic incidents for immediate intervention.
On the delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) System contract, the NPA spokesman said the authority was reviewing the contract terms to establish a stronger operational framework before awarding a new agreement.
He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of Truck Transit Parks pending the conclusion of the procurement process.
Onyemekara expressed confidence that the contract renewal would be concluded soon.
Reaffirming the authority’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s port operations, he said efficient logistics and unrestricted access to the ports remain central to the NPA’s efforts to enhance the country’s competitiveness and sustain recent international recognition.
“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest. If you look at the international recognition we are receiving, including the World Bank report, we are determined to sustain and even surpass the improvements already recorded in our port system. You can be assured that we remain fully committed to achieving the best possible performance from our ports,” Onyemekara said.
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