Truck Gridlock Persists On Apapa Corridor Despite NPA Directive

Truck congestion continues to choke access roads around Apapa despite repeated warnings from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for shipping companies to evacuate empty and export-bound containers.

In a directive issued on May 1, the NPA instructed operators, including Maersk Line, to immediately move containers to designated holding bays to ease mounting pressure on port access routes and prevent disruptions to trade activities.
However, checks on Wednesday showed that trucks laden with containers still line major roads leading to the port, worsening traffic conditions in the area.

Chairman of the Apapa chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emeka Chukwumalu, attributed the persistent gridlock to weak enforcement of the Electronic Truck Call-Up system and poor coordination among stakeholders.

He noted that earlier interventions, including training by the Nigeria Customs Service and the NPA, introduced digital booking systems that initially reduced extortion and improved traffic flow. However, systemic inefficiencies and alleged corruption have undermined progress, forcing trucks back onto public roads instead of designated parks.

Similarly, Adeyinka Aroyewun, President of the Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA), said the situation reflects deeper structural issues, including outdated port infrastructure, poor management of holding bays, and lack of effective truck rotation systems.

He added that trucks are increasingly being used as temporary storage due to inadequate space management, calling on the federal government to accelerate the development of alternative ports to ease pressure on Apapa.

A clearing agent at the port, Temitope Nini, also highlighted operational challenges, including vessel shortages and overbooked terminals across key facilities such as Port & Cargo Terminal and Lekki Deep Sea Port.

According to him, exporters are struggling to move goods as shipping schedules remain unreliable. He cited a recent cancellation of a vessel expected to transport over 1,000 containers, leaving shipments stranded.

Efforts to obtain an official response from the NPA were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson declined calls and referred inquiries elsewhere.
The ongoing congestion underscores the urgent need for coordinated reforms to restore efficiency in Nigeria’s busiest port corridor.