In a determined effort to clear congestion and improve security at Nigeria’s ports, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in partnership with the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies, has launched a three-day clean-up and sensitisation operation along the Lagos Port Corridors.
The operation, which commenced recently, is themed ‘NPA Security Clearance Operations 2025’ and aims to address persistent security threats and environmental hazards that have long affected the efficiency of Nigeria’s ports.
According to a statement issued on Friday, the initiative will focus on clearing obstructions that hinder smooth port operations. It will cover all key access points to the Tincan Island Complex, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I and II, and their surrounding areas. The clean-up operation is part of a broader strategy to enhance port safety, improve traffic flow, and eliminate illegal structures, including shanties and kiosks, that pose security risks to personnel, cargo, and vessels.
The NPA emphasized that the operation aligns with international best practices, particularly the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), which is designed to ensure the safety and security of global port facilities.
During the flag-off of the operation, Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of NPA, who was represented by the NPA’s General Manager of Security, Anthony Edosomwan, stressed the importance of maintaining the ports as critical international corridors. Dantsoho underscored that the Nigerian ports are essential gateways to the national economy, and the NPA has a key responsibility to ensure their security and operational efficiency.
“The operation will not only improve the safety and security of the ports but also contribute to the economic growth of the nation,” Dantsoho said, pointing out that the ongoing congestion and delays have long hampered trade facilitation and hindered the country’s economic growth.
The statement also highlighted that the NPA’s security division had previously conducted public awareness campaigns to garner support for the initiative from port users, traders, and residents in the vicinity. The NPA further emphasized that collaboration with stakeholders is crucial for the success of the operation.
Dantsoho also reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to environmental sustainability, noting that the clean-up will not only benefit the ports’ operations but also improve the surrounding communities and the broader environment. He stressed that the negative impacts of pollution and encroachment on port areas cannot be ignored.
This clean-up operation is seen as a vital step in tackling the ongoing congestion issues at the ports, with the NPA working in tandem with other relevant agencies to clear illegal obstructions and foster a safer, more efficient environment for trade and economic growth.
By removing these hindrances and ensuring better traffic flow, the NPA aims to enhance the overall functioning of the nation’s ports, making them more conducive to sustainable growth and development in line with international standards.
