The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has stepped up efforts to clear congestion around the Apapa port corridors in Lagos, introducing new measures to improve traffic flow and boost operational efficiency.
Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, Adebowale Lawal, disclosed this in an interview in Lagos on Sunday, saying the authority was working with terminal operators, shipping lines and other maritime stakeholders to tackle persistent congestion.
He said the measures included inspecting holding bays to assess their capacity and identify operational bottlenecks along port access roads.
Lawal said operators had been directed to provide regular updates on container stock levels and transfer imported containers to off-dock terminals to ease pressure on the ports.
The NPA is also reviewing its gate closure notification procedure, with shipping lines expected to receive an initial five-day notice, a three-day reminder and a final notification one day before closure.
Lawal stressed the need for stronger cooperation among stakeholders, particularly in tackling the growing accumulation of empty containers.
He urged shipping lines to evacuate them promptly to free up space and improve cargo movement.
To sustain traffic flow, the authority is maintaining a 24-hour presence along port access roads, conducting joint patrols with the Marine Police and monitoring the movement of import and export trucks round the clock.
Lawal urged consignees and truck operators to comply with the electronic call-up system and holding bay regulations, assuring port users that efforts to clear the Apapa corridors were ongoing.