Lagos Apapa Port Shows Faster Vessel Turnaround and Reduced Traffic Congestion

The Lagos State Government reported that traffic on the Apapa corridor has improved significantly, citing smoother flow on routes such as Eko Bridge, Ijora, Sifas and Iganmu. Officials urged terminal operators, shippers, truckers and the Nigerian Ports Authority to continue supporting traffic‑management initiatives, including the e‑call‑up system and coordinated evacuation of empty containers.

At the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, the average vessel turnaround time fell to 6.18 days in the first half of 2025, down from 7.3 days a year earlier. Berth occupancy rose to 57.4 % and officials aim to cut turnaround further to five days by year‑end. While average waiting time increased to 14 hours due to higher traffic, the management attributes gains to operational reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and the rollout of a digital Port Community System in partnership with the International Maritime Organisation. These steps are intended to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

Both initiatives are overseen by the Nigerian Ports Authority under Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and are linked to the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council’s reform agenda.