The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Wednesday suspended the release of empty containers and flatbeds to the Lagos Port Complex Apapa to alleviate the Apapa gridlock which resurfaced last week.
Since the return of the gridlock on the busy port access roads, commuters and truck drivers spend many hours on the road from Ijora into the Apapa port.
A truck driver informed SHIPS & PORTS on Tuesday that it took him more than 12 hours to drive through a stretch of about 7km from Ijora 7-Up into the port. Both the inbound and outbound lanes to the port have been witnessing severe congestion lately.
The management of Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), which manages NPA’s electronic call-up system known as “eto”, confirmed the suspension of the release of empty containers and flatbeds into the nation’s largest seaport.
“We understand the impact this may have on your operations and appreciate your cooperation during this period. This measure is necessary to manage the current congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
“We will keep you updated on any further developments,” TTP said in an advisory issued this evening.
It is yet to be seen if the measure will ease the congestion on the road.
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