In a renewed effort to enhance port security and operational efficiency, maritime stakeholders and the Western Ports Authority Police Command have agreed to strengthen collaboration and deepen engagement across Nigeria’s western port corridor.
This resolution emerged during a town hall meeting which held on Wednesday at the Command headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, as part of activities marking the 2025 Police Week.
According to a press statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman ASP Isaac Hundeyin, the meeting which was hosted by the Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola brought together leaders and representatives from key maritime institutions including shipping companies, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), freight forwarding associations, trucking unions, and terminal operators who unanimously commended the command’s proactive security approach and reaffirmed their commitment to working hand-in-hand with law enforcement.
CP Ishola, in his address, emphasized that collaboration remains central to maintaining the safety, integrity, and economic viability of Nigeria’s ports. He described the meeting as a strategic platform to celebrate achievements, address concerns, and plan future joint actions for the security of the maritime domain.
Highlighting the importance of the event, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), thanked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for initiating the National Police Day. He noted that the annual celebration has opened up critical opportunities for dialogue and mutual understanding between the police and industry players.
Ogungbemi assured that AMATO would continue to support the Command, recognizing the centrality of security to port operations and public safety.
Similarly, representatives from the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Lagos State Truck and Cargo Operators Committee (LASTCOC), and terminal operators praised the Command’s commitment to maintaining a safe operational environment. They also paid tribute to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
In his closing remarks, CP Ishola assured stakeholders of the Police Force’s readiness to adopt more innovative strategies aimed at strengthening port security, ensuring seamless cargo movement, and promoting a conducive atmosphere for trade and investment.
The meeting ended on a high note with group photographs and a shared pledge to maintain consistent dialogue and collaborative efforts in securing Nigeria’s maritime assets.
