Nigeria Ports Authority and ANLCA Collaborate to Alleviate Congestion at Tin Can Port
In a significant move to combat ongoing traffic congestion at the Tin Can Port in Apapa, the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have committed to enhancing cooperation to improve cargo evacuation and operational efficiency. This partnership is expected to bolster Nigeria’s trade facilitation efforts and tackle the persistent logistical challenges affecting the port.
Strategic Meeting Highlights Commitment to Efficiency
The commitment was formalized during a strategic meeting at the NPA’s corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos. There, Dr. Abubakar Dansoho, Executive Director of the NPA, welcomed the national leadership of ANLCA, led by Chief Emenike Nwokeoji, the association’s National Chairman.
Government Efforts to Improve Port Operations
This initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the ease of doing business at Nigeria’s ports, which have long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, transportation bottlenecks, and logistics issues. Such challenges inflate operating costs and hinder the nation’s competitiveness as a regional maritime hub.
Acknowledgment of Progress and Future Goals
During the meeting, Dr. Dansoho praised the efforts of port operators at Apapa and Tin Can Island, noting that both ports were recently recognized as among the Top 20 Most Improved Ports in the World by the World Bank. This acknowledgment reflects the success of continuous reform efforts aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s ports in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s New Hope Agenda.
Nigeria’s Growing Maritime Influence
Dr. Dansoho also pointed out Nigeria’s increasing prominence in the global maritime sector. His recent appointments as the first Chairman of the West and Central African Ports Management Association (PMAWCA) and as Vice-President for Africa of the International Ports Association (IAPH) underscore the nation’s growing leadership role in maritime governance.
Advancements in Truck Management Systems
A significant topic of discussion was the electronic paging system, known as ETO, designed to regulate truck movements into Apapa and Tin Can Ports. Although this system has shown considerable success in easing traffic congestion, stakeholders acknowledged that further reforms are essential due to rising cargo volumes and commercial activities.
Call for Involving Customs Officials in Management
ANLCA National Chairman Chief Emenike Nwokeoji commended the NPA for its international recognition and reiterated the association’s commitment to promoting efficient trade practices. He advocated for greater involvement of authorized customs officials in directing and supervising the ETO system, emphasizing that this integration would enhance transparency, accountability, and ultimately reduce extortion and delays faced by port users.
Nwokeoji expressed that the active participation of customs brokers is vital for establishing effective checks and balances to ensure the efficient operation of the electronic call-up platform.
Collaborative Initiatives with Stakeholders
The meeting also explored extensive collaboration opportunities between the NPA, ANLCA, the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders through a coordinated task force to monitor truck movements and address disturbances effectively along the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors. As part of this initiative, Nwokeoji extended a formal invitation to Dr. Dansoho to attend the association’s upcoming 72nd anniversary celebrations later this year.
Industry experts consistently stress that reducing congestion at Nigeria’s busiest ports is crucial for lowering logistics costs and enhancing supply chain effectiveness. The initiatives launched by the NPA and ANLCA are anticipated to reinforce ongoing reforms aimed at creating a more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive port system.
