NPA Steps Out With Multi-Agency Task Force To Tackle Lagos Port Gridlock Resurgence

BY KESSIENA SHEPHERDS

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has constituted a multi-agencyt task force to tackle the resurgence of traffic gridlock within the Lagos port access roads, as part of efforts to restore seamless cargo evacuation.

The move followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, on June 23, 2026. Participants at the crucial meeting included security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators, and the Lagos State Government.

According to NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, stakeholders at the meeting cited illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies, and other operational distortions as key causes of the renewed congestion.

Onyemakara said the task force comprises the NPA, Port Police, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), National Roads Transport Operators (NARTO), and the Association of Maritime Transport Operators (AMATO) .

“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 stated.

While explaining that the team will not establish checkpoints, he however noted it will maintain a strategic presence at designated locations to ensure compliance without obstructing traffic.

To enable quick intervention, the task force has set up a dedicated WhatsApp platform for instant reporting of infractions or emerging traffic issues, the AGM Corporate & Strategic Communications, disclosed.

On the Electronic Truck Call-Up system, ETO, Onyemakara said NPA is reviewing the contract terms for a “more robust framework” before a fresh award. He noted that although tge TPP previous contract has expired, it will continue to manage the platform pending a fresh award.

Reaffirming NPA’s commitment, Onyemakara said:

“We are more interested in the free flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it is in our own interest. You can be assured that we remain fully committed to achieving the best possible performance from our ports”