The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) has pat the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for its effort in addressing the resurgence of gridlock the nation’s ports corridor.
Describing its recent efforts as “commendable moves”, the non-governmental organization (NGO) hailed the parasatal the actions it has taken so far to address the resurgence of congestion on the Lagos port access roads.
MACI in a statement signed by its Chairman, Captain Adamu Mshelia averred that this was made possible through the unveiling of a multi-agency task force aimed at streamlining cargo movement and improving port efficiency in the months ahead.
According to the statement which was made to Maritime Bits, the decision was reached during recent stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho and attended many stakeholders, including security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators, and representatives of the Lagos State Government. They all agreed on implementing coordinated measures to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure smooth cargo evacuation.
It revealed that during the meeting, stakeholders identified various factors contributing to the gridlock, such as illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies, and other operational disruptions.
The NPA General Manager for Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara highlighted the authority’s top priority of ensuring seamless movement of cargo to and from the seaports.
Onyemakara revealed that the newly formed task force comprises NPA, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC), Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO).
He explained that the main responsibility of the committee is to monitor truck movement along the port access roads regularly, identify and address any challenges, and ensure seamless cargo flow.
His words: “The task force is responsible for regularly monitoring truck movements on the access roads to the port, identifying any disruptions that could lead to traffic congestion, and promptly addressing these issues.”
The NPA spokesman emphasized that the task force members will not set up checkpoints along the corridor but will strategically position themselves at specific locations to ensure compliance without hindering traffic flow.
In order to facilitate quick responses, he disclosed that the task force has established a dedicated WhatsApp group where members can quickly report violations or emerging traffic problems for immediate action.
On the long-overdue renewal of the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system contract, he explained that NPA is currently reviewing the terms to create a stronger contractual framework before issuing a new agreement.
According to him, although the previous contract has expired, the ETO platform continues to operate under the management of the Truck Transit Parks (TTP) while the procurement process is finalized. He expressed optimism that the renewal would be completed soon.
He reiterated the government agency’s dedication to ensuring smooth access to the ports even as he pointed out that efficient logistics are crucial to the NPA’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s port competitiveness and maintain its growing international reputation.
Said he: “We are more invested in the smooth flow of logistics into our ports than anyone else because it benefits us directly. If you consider the international recognition we are receiving, including the World Bank report, we are committed to maintaining and even exceeding the improvements already achieved in our port system. You can be assured that we are fully dedicated to maximizing the performance of our ports.”
MACI applauded the NPA initiative in collaboration with various stakeholders as a positive step towards addressing the persistent gridlock at the ports.
The NGO enjoined other government agencies emulate the authority by coming up with concrete measures to improve efficiency and combatting the root cause of corruption in the cargo supply chain.
