NPA, ANLCA Join Forces To Resolve Apapa, TinCan Gridlock, Fast-Track Cargo Evaluation
NPA, ANLCA JOIN Forces To Resolve Apapa, TinCan Gridlock, Fast-Track Cargo Evaluation
By Success Okezie
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have committed to a deeper partnership to ease congestion, strengthen trade facilitation, and accelerate cargo evacuation along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
The agreement was reached during a strategic engagement at the NPA Corporate Headquarters, Marina, Lagos. The meeting convened the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and ANLCA’s national leadership led by National President, Chief Emenike Nwokeoji.
The outcome was disclosed in a statement by Ikechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, NPA.
Dr. Dantsoho commended the Port Managers of Apapa and Tin Can Island for sustaining operational efficiency. He said the recent listing of both ports among the World Bank’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports Globally is a direct result of deliberate reforms aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further noted that the achievement mirrors Nigeria’s expanding influence in global maritime governance, following its election as the first President of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) and Vice President for Africa in the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
“This global recognition is not accidental. It reflects our strategic mapping of port processes, institutional discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It is also strengthened by Nigeria’s recent diplomatic progress in the maritime sector,” the NPA MD stated.
The Electronic Call-Up System, Eto, which regulates truck movement into and out of Apapa and Tin Can ports, dominated discussions.
While the pilot phase met its initial targets, Dr. Dantsoho said increasing trade volumes now require a more robust, technology-driven framework to permanently eliminate gridlock.
“Lagos remains West Africa’s principal commercial gateway. To maintain that position, we must modernize our ports with urgency. A substantial part of our infrastructure is aging and requires comprehensive upgrades to meet international standards, deploy modern cargo-handling equipment, and maximize revenue for the country,” he said.
Chief Nwokeoji congratulated NPA management on the World Bank recognition and reaffirmed ANLCA’s commitment to trade facilitation and port efficiency.
He called for ANLCA’s direct participation in the management and oversight of Eto. According to him, involving licensed customs brokers will introduce the accountability needed to curb racketeering and end artificial delays on port access roads.
ANLCA also pledged to collaborate with NPA, the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders through a joint task force. The group will monitor truck movements and respond swiftly to disruptions along the port corridors.
As part of broader collaboration, Chief Nwokeoji formally invited Dr. Dantsoho to ANLCA’s 72nd Anniversary Celebration, scheduled for later this year.
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