The Media Anti-Corruption Initiative, MACI, has raised concerns over the resurgence of truck congestion along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, warning that the bottleneck is again affecting the movement of goods to and from the Lagos seaport.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Captain Adamu Mshelia, MACI said the gridlock is creating delays for businesses and commuters, raising costs across the cargo supply chain.
*From ETO Relief to Renewed Congestion*
The Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, introduced the Electronic Truck Call-Up System, ETO, on February 27, 2021, to manage truck movement into the ports. The system initially eased traffic along the corridor.
However, MACI noted that by early 2026, congestion had returned, with articulated trucks and tankers reportedly parked haphazardly from Coconut Bus Stop to Costain Bus Stop.
The group attributed the situation partly to challenges in the effective operation and oversight of the ETO platform.
“The current traffic situation has led to loss of working hours, increased cost of doing business, and higher prices for commodities,” MACI stated. “When port access is delayed, the impact is felt across the entire supply chain, from importers to consumers.”
MACI is urging the NPA to take immediate steps to reassess and strengthen the ETO system to restore free flow along the port corridor.
According to the group, improving truck scheduling, enforcement, and stakeholder coordination would help ease congestion, reduce business costs, and rebuild confidence in port operations.
“Efficient port access is critical to trade facilitation and to Nigeria’s blue economy goals,” Captain Mshelia said. “We remain committed to advocating for transparency and accountability, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.”
The NPA has not yet issued a formal response to MACI’s concerns as of press time.
