Fresh Push to Ease Cargo Movement at Lagos Ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have agreed to strengthen their collaboration to improve the ease of doing business, tackle persistent congestion along the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports corridors, and accelerate cargo evacuation.

According to a statement by the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the agreement was reached during a strategic meeting held at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos. The meeting was between the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and the national leadership of ANLCA led by its National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Dantsoho commended the Port Managers of Apapa and Tin Can Island for their commitment to operational efficiency.
He noted that the recent recognition of both ports among the World Bank’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports Globally was the result of deliberate reforms implemented in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the achievement also complements Nigeria’s growing prominence in global maritime governance following its emergence as the first President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and Vice President for Africa in the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Dr. Dantsoho said, “This global recognition is not accidental; it is the direct result of our strategic and intentional mapping of port processes and our relentless pursuit of excellence. This achievement is further reinforced by Nigeria’s recent diplomatic successes in the maritime sector.”
The Electronic Call-Up System, popularly known as Eto, which regulates truck movement into and out of the Apapa and Tin Can ports, featured prominently during the discussions.
Dr. Dantsoho acknowledged that although the pilot scheme had achieved its initial objectives, the growing volume of trade now demands a stronger framework capable of permanently addressing traffic congestion around the ports.
He added, “Lagos remains a vital commercial hub for West Africa. To sustain this status, we must aggressively pursue port modernization. Much of our infrastructure is aging and requires comprehensive upgrades to meet international standards, deploy modern cargo-handling equipment, and boost national revenue.”
In his remarks, ANLCA National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, congratulated the NPA management on the World Bank ranking and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to policies that promote trade facilitation.
He called for stronger collaboration and specifically requested that ANLCA be directly involved in the management and oversight of the electronic call-up system.
According to him, the active participation of licensed customs brokers would provide the required checks and balances to eliminate racketeering and artificial delays along the port access roads.
During the meeting, Chief Nwokeoji also formally invited Dr. Dantsoho to ANLCA’s 72nd Anniversary Celebration, scheduled to hold before the end of the year.
The association further pledged to work closely with the NPA, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant stakeholders through a coordinated task force to monitor truck movements and ensure prompt responses to disruptions along the port corridors.