By Atlantic Reports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced measures to ease congestion along Apapa port access roads, including assessments of container holding bays and efforts to accelerate the evacuation of empty containers.

The Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Mr Adebowale Lawal, disclosed the measures during an interview in Lagos on Sunday.

He said the authority was working with terminal operators, shipping lines and other stakeholders to improve traffic flow and maintain efficient port operations.

For truckers, consignees and businesses moving goods through the ports, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on how closely truck movements match available terminal space and handling capacity.

Off-Dock Transfers and Gate Notices

Lawal said holding bays were being inspected to establish their capacity and identify operational challenges affecting port access roads.

He added that APM Terminals Apapa had been directed to provide regular updates on yard stock levels and transfer import containers to off-dock terminals to reduce pressure on its facilities.

The authority was also reviewing gate closure notifications. Under the proposed arrangement, shipping lines would receive an initial five-day notice, a three-day reminder and a final one-day notice.

Lawal called on shipping lines to evacuate empty containers promptly, identifying their accumulation as a particular congestion concern.

Round-the-Clock Monitoring

According to Lawal, the NPA was maintaining a 24-hour presence on port access roads, strengthening patrols with the Marine Police and monitoring import and export truck movements.

He said the authority was also enforcing environmental standards and operational discipline among terminal operators.

Lawal urged consignees and truckers to comply with the electronic call-up system and holding-bay regulations, saying efforts to improve container evacuation were continuing.

The interview account did not provide figures showing changes in truck waiting times, container evacuation volumes or the number of empty containers awaiting removal.

Truck Owners Report Improvement

The National Secretary-General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mr Muhammed-Sani Balla, said traffic management efforts had improved orderliness along the Apapa and Tin Can Island 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,” he said.

Balla credited the NPA, port managers, traffic teams and security agencies with responding to violations and road obstructions. He also acknowledged the involvement of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

His assessment indicated relief from gridlock, although no comparative traffic data accompanied the account.

Balla urged stakeholders to sustain the improvement by releasing trucks in line with terminal handling capacities, particularly during the closing months of the year.

The measures place coordination between shipping lines, terminals and truck operators at the centre of efforts to keep port corridors moving. Sustained progress will require timely container evacuation and compliance with scheduled truck access.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.