By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have agreed to strengthen collaboration to tackle the persistent traffic congestion on the Apapa and Tin Can Island port access roads, improve cargo evacuation and enhance ease of doing business at the nation’s busiest seaports.
The resolution was reached during a strategic meeting between the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and the national leadership of ANLCA led by its National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Dantsoho commended the management of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports for their commitment to operational efficiency, noting that the recent ranking of both ports among the World Bank’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports globally was the result of deliberate reforms undertaken by the Authority in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the achievement also reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime governance, citing the country’s emergence as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and Vice President for Africa of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
“This global recognition is not accidental. It is the direct result of our strategic mapping of port processes and our unwavering commitment to operational excellence. It is also reinforced by Nigeria’s recent diplomatic successes within the global maritime community,” Dantsoho said.
A major focus of the discussions was the Electronic Truck Call-Up System (Eto), introduced to regulate truck movements into and out of the Lagos ports.
While acknowledging that the electronic call-up system has largely achieved its original objectives, Dantsoho said the steady increase in cargo throughput now requires a more robust framework capable of permanently eliminating traffic gridlock around the ports.
“Lagos remains the commercial gateway to West Africa. To sustain that position, we must accelerate port modernisation. Much of our infrastructure has aged and requires comprehensive upgrades to meet international standards, deploy modern cargo-handling equipment and improve operational efficiency,” he said.
Responding, ANLCA National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, congratulated the NPA on the global recognition earned by the Lagos ports and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote trade facilitation and port efficiency.
He called for stronger collaboration between both organisations, urging the NPA to involve ANLCA directly in the management and oversight of the Eto system.
According to him, the participation of licensed customs brokers would introduce greater transparency, provide effective checks and balances and help eliminate racketeering and artificial delays experienced by port users.
Nwokeoji also formally invited the NPA Managing Director to the association’s 72nd Anniversary celebration scheduled to hold later this year.
As part of the renewed collaboration, ANLCA pledged to work closely with the NPA, the Nigeria Police Force and other critical stakeholders through a coordinated task force that will monitor truck movements, identify operational bottlenecks and respond promptly to disruptions along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors.
The partnership is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts to improve port efficiency, reduce logistics costs and ensure the seamless movement of cargo through Nigeria’s premier seaports.
