The Media Anti-Corruption Initiatives (MACI) has praised the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for setting up a multi-agency task force aimed at tackling the renewed traffic congestion along the Lagos port access roads.
The advocacy group, which has consistently spoken on issues affecting Nigeria’s economic and governance landscape, said the move is a positive step toward restoring order around the nation’s busiest ports.
It expressed optimism that the initiative would produce lasting improvements rather than temporary fixes, allowing for the smooth movement of trucks and other road users.
The task force was inaugurated by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, during a stakeholders’ meeting attended by security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators, and officials of the Lagos State Government.
Discussions at the meeting highlighted major causes of the persistent gridlock, including illegal extortion points, overlapping responsibilities among agencies, and operational bottlenecks.
Speaking on the initiative, the NPA’s General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemakara, said the Authority remains committed to ensuring seamless cargo movement through the ports.
He explained that the task force would focus on monitoring truck operations and responding quickly to traffic disruptions without creating additional checkpoints that could worsen congestion. Instead, personnel will be strategically deployed to enforce compliance.
According to Onyemakara, the Authority has also established a dedicated WhatsApp platform to enable real-time reporting of traffic violations and emerging challenges.
He added that the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system is undergoing a contract renewal review to further strengthen its effectiveness, while operations continue under the management of Truck Transit Parks (TTP).
Reaffirming the NPA’s commitment to improving port efficiency, Onyemakara stated that the Authority has a direct interest in ensuring the uninterrupted movement of cargo, noting that ongoing reforms have attracted international recognition, including commendation from the World Bank.
MACI welcomed the development but stressed that the success of the task force would ultimately be measured by visible improvements on the port corridors.
The group pledged to continue monitoring the situation and said it would not hesitate to raise concerns if the initiative fails to deliver meaningful and sustainable relief for port users.
