The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA have agreed to strengthen collaboration to tackle persistent traffic congestion along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors, improve cargo evacuation and enhance ease of doing business at the nation’s seaports.
The resolution was reached during a strategic meeting at the NPA headquarters in Marina, Lagos, between the Managing Director of the authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, and the national leadership of ANLCA led by its National President, Emenike Nwokeoji.
Speaking during the engagement, Dantsoho commended the management of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports for improving operational efficiency, noting that their recent recognition among the World Bank’s 20 Most Improved Ports Globally was the result of deliberate reforms aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said the achievement also reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime administration following the country’s emergence as President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa and Vice President for Africa of the International Association of Ports and Harbours.
“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,” Dantsoho said.
A major focus of the meeting was the Electronic Call-Up System, popularly known as Eto, which regulates the movement of trucks into and out of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
While acknowledging that the system had largely achieved its initial objectives, Dantsoho said increasing trade volumes now require a more comprehensive framework to eliminate traffic gridlock around the ports.
He stressed the need for accelerated port modernisation, noting that much of the nation’s port infrastructure is ageing and requires significant upgrades to meet international standards.
“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,” he said.
In his remarks, Nwokeoji congratulated the NPA on the World Bank recognition and reaffirmed ANLCA’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at improving trade facilitation and operational efficiency at Nigerian ports.
He called for closer collaboration between the association and the NPA, urging the authority to involve licensed customs agents directly in the management and oversight of the electronic call-up system.
According to him, the participation of customs brokers would introduce greater transparency and accountability, helping to eliminate racketeering and artificial delays experienced along port access roads.
Nwokeoji also formally invited Dantsoho to the 72nd anniversary celebration of ANLCA scheduled for later this year.
The association further pledged to collaborate with the NPA, the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders through a joint task force that will monitor truck movements and respond promptly to disruptions along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
