NPA LAUNCHES TASK FORCE TO TACKLE PORT GRIDLOCK

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a high-powered task force to address the persistent gridlock at the nation’s seaports, particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island, which have long hampered efficient cargo movement and increased business costs.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Abubakar Dantsoho, announced the initiative on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos. The task force, comprising representatives from government agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, and security outfits, is mandated to identify bottlenecks and implement immediate and long-term solutions to restore order at the ports.

“Gridlock at our ports is unacceptable and must be tackled head-on. This task force will work round the clock to ensure smooth operations, reduce truck congestion, and improve turnaround time for vessels and cargo,” Dantsoho stated.

Key focus areas of the task force include enforcement of the electronic call-up system, decongestion of port access roads, improved coordination among agencies, and strict compliance with the truck transit park regulations. The team will also engage with state governments to address infrastructure challenges on access corridors.

Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, who was represented at the launch, pledged full support for the initiative. “We are committed to collaborating with NPA and other stakeholders to eliminate inefficiencies and make our ports more competitive,” he said.

Importers and clearing agents welcomed the move, expressing hope that it would bring lasting relief from the chronic traffic and delays that have plagued port operations for years. The President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Mr. Chief Uche, urged the task force to be firm in implementation.

The NPA assured that the task force will submit regular progress reports and that measurable key performance indicators will be used to track success. The authority also warned that any individual or group found sabotaging the efforts will face appropriate sanctions.

The launch of the task force is seen as a critical step towards restoring the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports, which are vital to the nation’s trade and economic growth.