NPA, Customs Agents Team Up to Clear Apapa Port Gridlock

July 6, 2026 3 min read

The Nigerian Ports Authority has joined forces with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents to address the chronic traffic jams strangling access roads at Apapa and Tincan Island ports in Lagos. The collaboration, announced this week, aims to restore orderly movement of cargo in and out of two of the country's busiest maritime gateways.

For years, truck drivers and freight handlers have endured days-long delays on roads leading to the ports. The gridlock disrupts import and export operations across the nation's supply chain.

Chronic Gridlock Plagues Lagos Port Corridors

Apapa and Tincan Island ports handle the bulk of Nigeria's maritime cargo. Trucks queuing for kilometres on narrow access roads have become a familiar sight in the Ojuelegba and Ajegunle areas of Lagos. The congestion delays perishable goods and drives up shipping costs for businesses relying on timely deliveries.

Port users say the situation has worsened as trade volumes rebounded following the pandemic slowdown. Freight agents report that some containers spend weeks waiting to be cleared once they arrive at the docks.

What the NPA and ANLCA Partnership Involves

The Nigerian Ports Authority and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents have committed to regular joint inspections of port access roads. Officials from both organisations will coordinate traffic management and identify bottlenecks that delay cargo movement.

ANLCA President, who leads the body representing thousands of licensed customs agents, welcomed the initiative. The partnership signals a rare show of unity between port management and the agents who navigate the clearance process daily.

Specific Steps Announced

Weekly road condition assessments along port corridors
Joint task force to remove unauthorized structures blocking traffic flow
Improved communication between port operators and freight handlers

Economic Stakes for Nigerian Traders

Nigeria's ports are critical to the economy. The country imports billions of dollars worth of goods annually through Apapa and Tincan. Delays at these gateways translate directly into higher costs for manufacturers, retailers, and ultimately consumers.

Small and medium enterprises, which often lack the resources to absorb prolonged storage fees, bear a disproportionate burden when cargo sits stranded. Industry watchers say resolving the access road problem could unlock significant productivity gains for Lagos-based businesses.

Communities Feel the Squeeze

Residents of Ajegunle and surrounding neighbourhoods have long complained about fumes from idling trucks and safety hazards created by the endless queues. Schoolchildren cross roads blocked by cargo trailers. Market traders struggle to receive deliveries on schedule.

The collaboration between the NPA and ANLCA offers hope that immediate relief may come before the situation deteriorates further. Both parties have acknowledged that community disruption cannot continue unchecked.

What Comes Next

The joint task force is expected to present its first findings within 30 days. Port authorities have promised swift action on the most critical road sections identified during initial assessments.

Observers say the real test will be whether the partnership produces measurable improvements on the ground. Previous attempts to decongest Apapa and Tincan have yielded limited results.

Watch This Space

Stakeholders will be watching closely over the coming weeks. If the NPA and ANLCA deliver visible changes, the model could be extended to other Nigerian ports facing similar challenges. If the collaboration stalls, frustration among truckers, agents, and businesses will intensify. Truck drivers returning to Apapa this month will provide the first honest assessment of whether anything has genuinely changed.