Sanwo-Olu’s Aide Faults NPA Over Port Shift

The Lagos State Government has criticised the decision of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to shift its operational focus from the Lagos ports to the Warri Port Complex, describing the move as a distraction from the real issues affecting cargo movement within the Apapa port corridor.

Akahi News gathered that Adekoya Hassan, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation and Logistics, argued that the persistent challenges at the Lagos ports are not caused by a lack of effort or commitment on the part of the state government. Instead, he insisted that deep-rooted policy flaws within the NPA continue to undermine progress, despite the governor’s sustained interventions to ease congestion and improve traffic flow in the port area.

According to Hassan, the Lagos State Government has remained consistent in its support for a more efficient and transparent port system. He maintained that significant attention has been given to road rehabilitation, traffic control, coordination with security agencies, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. However, he noted that these efforts cannot yield the desired results if the authority in charge of port operations continues to implement policies that encourage bottlenecks and inefficiency.

Akahi News learnt that among the issues raised were the malfunctioning electronic call-up system for trucks, allegations of racketeering, unauthorised toll collections, and the activities of middlemen who exploit transporters and distort normal procedures. These factors, the governor’s aide explained, have worsened congestion in the Apapa axis and complicated the smooth evacuation of goods from the ports.

He further stated that shifting focus to Warri does not automatically resolve the systemic problems in Lagos, which remains the nation’s primary commercial nerve centre. In his view, what is required is a transparent and comprehensive reform of NPA’s policies, enforcement processes, and accountability structures, not a mere transfer of attention to another port.

While acknowledging the need to develop and revitalise other ports across the country, Hassan stressed that such expansion should not come at the expense of solving existing problems in Lagos. He warned that neglecting the structural weaknesses in the nation’s busiest port corridor could lead to long-term damage to trade efficiency, investor confidence, and national revenue generation.

Akahi News gathered that the situation has once again highlighted the fragile coordination between federal port authorities and state-level interventions. Analysts believe that unless both parties adopt a harmonised approach anchored on transparency, efficiency and accountability, congestion and inefficiency may continue to plague key maritime corridors in the country.

Stakeholders within the logistics and maritime sectors have therefore called for urgent policy reviews, improved regulatory oversight, and stronger collaboration between the NPA, the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies to ensure seamless movement of cargo and sustainable port development nationwide.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
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