LAGOS JUNE 24TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Police Force have launched a coordinated crackdown on unauthorized checkpoints and illegal roadblocks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors, a move aimed at reducing congestion, eliminating extortion, and improving cargo movement across Nigeria’s busiest maritime routes.
The initiative was announced by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, following a high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos involving security agencies, freight forwarders, transport unions, and government officials.
NPA Targets Illegal Checkpoints Hindering Port Operations
According to Dantsoho, investigations uncovered several operational challenges affecting the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors, including illegal extortion points, overlapping security responsibilities, and traffic bottlenecks that continue to delay cargo delivery and increase logistics costs.
“We have problems along the port corridor in Apapa and Tin Can Island. We have established that there are issues around extortion and operational disruptions along the corridor, which are outside the immediate port environment,” Dantsoho said.
He noted that the challenges extend beyond the ports themselves, affecting critical logistics routes around Berger, Mile 2, and other connecting roads used by truckers and freight operators.
Jurisdictional Conflicts Among Security Agencies Identified
The NPA boss also highlighted jurisdictional overlaps between the Maritime Police Command and the Lagos State Police Command as a major factor contributing to enforcement inefficiencies along the port access roads.
According to him, both police formations clarified during the meeting that they did not authorize any personnel to establish checkpoints or roadblocks on the Apapa and Tin Can corridors.
“The AIG Maritime Police has clearly stated that they do not send anybody to form roadblocks or checkpoints on the corridor. Equally, the Lagos State Police Command has made the same position clear,” Dantsoho stated.
Police Deny Deploying Officers to Port Corridor Checkpoints
Speaking at the meeting, Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Maritime Operations, Okunade Ronke, denied allegations that police officers were officially deployed to checkpoints along the Lagos port corridors.
She stressed that any officers involved in extortion or operating unauthorized checkpoints are acting illegally and should be reported for disciplinary action.
“We have never posted officers to any checkpoint around the port environment,” Ronke said. “Any individual claiming to be deployed from the Maritime Police or Zone 2 while engaging in extortion is acting fraudulently.”
She added that complaints against such officers would be thoroughly investigated and sanctioned accordingly.
Joint Task Force to Improve Traffic Flow Around Lagos Ports
To address long-standing challenges affecting port access roads, stakeholders agreed to establish a joint task force involving the Lagos State Government, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Police Force, freight forwarders, and transport operators.
The task force will focus on:
* Eliminating illegal checkpoints and extortion points.
* Improving traffic management along Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors.
* Enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
* Streamlining cargo evacuation and port logistics.
* Monitoring compliance and enforcement activities.
Industry stakeholders believe the initiative could significantly reduce delays that have frustrated importers, exporters, truck owners, and logistics operators for years.
Maritime Stakeholders Welcome NPA and Police Intervention
Representatives of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), freight forwarding groups, and other industry stakeholders welcomed the move, describing it as a critical step toward addressing persistent issues of harassment, extortion, and operational inefficiencies.
Participants also agreed to establish a broader monitoring committee comprising government agencies, transport unions, and maritime stakeholders to develop clear guidelines for enforcement and sustained oversight.
Nigeria Ports Aim to Become More Competitive Regionally
Dantsoho emphasized that improved collaboration among stakeholders is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s port competitiveness and attracting more regional trade.
“Our emphasis is that we are going to function better in our practices so that we can outperform neighboring countries,” he said.
The NPA Managing Director further noted that Nigeria’s port system has recently gained international recognition for operational improvements, attributing the progress to ongoing reforms implemented by the Federal Government.
Expected Impact on Cargo Movement and Port Efficiency
The latest agreement between the NPA, police authorities, and industry stakeholders is expected to deliver significant benefits, including faster cargo clearance, reduced traffic congestion, lower logistics costs, and improved security along major port corridors.
As Nigeria continues efforts to modernize its maritime sector, the removal of unauthorized checkpoints and stronger inter-agency coordination could help transform the Apapa and Tin Can Island corridors into more efficient gateways for trade and economic growth.
Key Takeaways
* NPA and Police have launched a crackdown on illegal checkpoints along Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
* Maritime Police and Lagos State Police Command deny authorizing roadblocks on port access roads.
* A joint task force has been established to tackle extortion, congestion, and operational bottlenecks.
* Stakeholders expect improved cargo movement, traffic flow, and port efficiency.
* The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness and logistics performance.
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