By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified efforts to eliminate extortion and ease traffic congestion along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors by convening a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, focused on addressing illegal checkpoints, multiple enforcement activities, and jurisdictional overlaps that continue to hinder the smooth movement of cargo to and from the nation’s busiest seaports.
Speaking at the session, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, stressed the need for coordinated action among relevant agencies to ensure seamless port operations and improve logistics efficiency.
The meeting brought together key players in the maritime, transport, and security sectors, including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime, Nurat Okunade; Lagos State transport representative, Mr. Ojowuro Olasunkanmi; and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Also in attendance were NPA Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mrs. Vivian Richard-Edet; Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Engr. Olalekan Badmus; General Manager, Security, Mr. Anthony Edosomwan; and the Secretary-General of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Godfrey Nwosu.
Stakeholders identified extortion, illegal levies, and overlapping enforcement duties as major obstacles to efficient cargo evacuation from the ports, noting that such practices increase operational costs and undermine the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Participants called for clearer delineation of responsibilities among security agencies, traffic management authorities, and other stakeholders operating along the port corridors.
The NPA said harmonising enforcement activities and eliminating unauthorized checkpoints would reduce delays, improve cargo movement, and create a more business-friendly environment for port users.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders agreed to strengthen collaboration and develop measures aimed at tackling illegal levies, reducing traffic delays, and ensuring the free flow of port logistics along the Apapa and Tin Can access roads.
