NPA Halts Truck Entry to Ease Growing Congestion in Lagos

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a temporary suspension of truck movements from all designated pre-gate areas into the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) as part of efforts to decongest the port and restore smooth operations.

In a notice issued to stakeholders, the NPA — through its technical partner, Transit Truck Parks Limited (TTP) — said the measure is a short-term response to the growing backlog of cargoes at the terminals and heavy traffic buildup along port access routes.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority has directed a temporary hold on the release of trucks from all pre-gates serving the Lagos Port Complex until further notice,” the statement read.

“This measure is to facilitate the clearance of congestion along the port access route. The restriction is temporary, and the pre-gates will be reopened once the terminals have sufficient capacity to receive additional trucks.”

The authority assured stakeholders that updates will be communicated as the situation improves, while appealing for understanding and cooperation during the period of operational adjustment.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Sani Mohammed, an official of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), described the congestion as severe, noting that it had stretched from Wharf Road to Ijora, paralyzing movement across Apapa and surrounding areas.

He attributed the gridlock to slow terminal operations and a recently broken-down truck that further compounded the situation.

“The entire Apapa axis is gridlocked. Terminal operators are working too slowly, and the breakdown of a truck worsened the traffic. Many trucks and vehicles have been stranded for hours,” Mohammed said.

The NPA’s latest intervention comes amid rising concerns from port users and industry stakeholders over delays in cargo evacuation, high demurrage charges, and persistent traffic congestion in Nigeria’s busiest maritime hub.