The Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr Adebowale Lawal, says the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced measures to evacuate containers from port corridors and ease traffic congestion in Apapa, Lagos.
Lawal, who disclosed this in an interview in Lagos on Sunday, said the Authority is collaborating with terminal operators, shipping lines and other stakeholders to improve traffic flow and ensure efficient port operations.
He said the measures included inspecting and assessing holding bays to determine their capacity and address operational challenges along port access roads.
According to him, APM Terminals Apapa has been directed to provide regular updates on yard stock levels and transfer import containers to off-dock terminals to reduce pressure on its facilities.
Lawal said the existing gate closure notification process was being reviewed to provide shipping lines with an initial five-day notice, a three-day reminder and a final one-day notice.
He called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to address congestion, particularly the accumulation of empty containers, urging shipping lines to evacuate them promptly.
The port manager said the NPA was maintaining a 24-hour presence on port access roads, strengthening patrols with the Marine Police and monitoring the movement of import and export trucks round the clock.
He added that the authority was enforcing environmental standards and operational discipline among terminal operators to promote cleaner and more efficient port operations.
Lawal urged consignees and truckers to comply with the electronic call-up system and holding bay regulations.
He assured them that efforts were ongoing to ensure the smooth evacuation of containers from Apapa port corridors.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary-General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mr Muhammed-Sani Balla, commended traffic management teams for their efforts to maintain free flow of traffic along port corridors.
“I commend the traffic management teams working assiduously to ensure the free flow of traffic and strict compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures of the electronic call-up system,” Balla said.
He said their efforts had improved traffic orderliness, adding that the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors had experienced relief from gridlock.
Balla also commended the management of the NPA, led by Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, for its commitment to improving the ease of doing business.
He praised port managers, traffic management heads, security personnel, the police, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for responding promptly to traffic violations and road obstructions.
Balla urged stakeholders to sustain the progress by regulating truck releases in line with terminal handling capacities, particularly during the ember months.