Nigerian Ports Authority ramps up truck controls to ease Lagos port congestion

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced intensified measures to eliminate truck gridlock at the Lagos Port Complex. General Manager Debo Lawal said trucks will be released in scheduled batches based on terminal demand, working with Truck Transit Parks Ltd. to prevent indiscriminate parking. A joint task force has been clearing the Apapa and Tin Can access roads daily since June 26, 2026, and will continue further clearance exercises.

The NPA also reported that the federal government has begun paying the 5 % counterpart funding for the $726 million port rehabilitation project, with borehole drilling and site investigations completed and contractors expected to mobilise before the end of July. Stakeholder meetings were held on July 7, with a broader review slated for July 13. Additionally, the National Single Window digital platform is about 80 % complete, aiming to integrate banks, customs, shipping firms and other agencies to streamline cargo clearance, reduce documentation bottlenecks and boost revenue collection. Lawal expressed confidence that these reforms will improve efficiency, reduce human interference and strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness at the Apapa and Tin Can ports.