Nigerian Ports Authority launches task force to ease Lagos port congestion

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) signed an agreement to dismantle obstacles causing gridlock on the Apapa and Tin Can Island port access roads. The meeting, led by NPA Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and ANLCA President Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, highlighted the recent World Bank ranking of the ports among the Top 20 most improved globally and tied the reforms to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

A multi‑agency task force was established, comprising the NPA, police, freight forwarders, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Maritime Workers Union, road transport owners and other stakeholders. Its mandate is to monitor truck movements, eliminate illegal checkpoints and extortion points, and ensure the smooth flow of cargo. The task force will use a dedicated WhatsApp platform for rapid reporting and will oversee the renewal of the Electronic Call‑Up System that regulates truck entry to the ports, aiming for a more robust contractual framework. Officials stressed that improving logistics is central to maintaining Nigeria’s growing international reputation as a competitive port hub.