The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a multi-agency task force to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock along the Lagos port access roads.
The task force comprises the NPA, Port Police, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).
The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23, 2026, where security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators, and representatives of the Lagos State Government agreed on coordinated measures to eliminate the bottlenecks disrupting cargo movement.
At the meeting, stakeholders identified illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies, and other operational challenges as the major causes of the renewed congestion along the port corridor.
According to the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, the authority’s overriding priority is to guarantee the unhindered movement of cargo to and from the nation’s seaports.
He explained: “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.”
Onyemakara stressed that members of the task force would not establish checkpoints along the corridor but would maintain a strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.
To enhance rapid response, Onyemakara disclosed that the task force has created a dedicated WhatsApp platform through which members can instantly report infractions or emerging traffic issues for immediate intervention.
On the long-delayed renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, the NPA spokesman said the Authority is reviewing the terms to ensure a more robust contractual framework before awarding a fresh agreement.
He explained that although the previous contract had expired, the ETO platform remains operational under the management of Truck Transit Parks (TTP) pending the completion of the procurement process.
He expressed confidence that the renewal would be concluded soon, noting that efficient logistics remain central to the NPA’s drive to improve Nigeria’s port competitiveness and preserve its growing international reputation.
Onyemakara added: “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.”
