In a historic breakthrough for Nigeria’s maritime sector, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, alongside Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Sylvester Othuke Egede, Port Manager of Tin Can Island Ports Complex; and Charles Bamidele Okaga, Port Manager of Apapa Port Complex, have successfully restored free and seamless access to the Lagos Ports along the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
For over 13 years, port users endured a harrowing experience due to impassable roads along the Apapa-Oshodi corridor, severely hindering trade and economic activities.
Previous interventions by federal and state agencies had failed to resolve the issue, perpetuating an environment rife with criminal elements and extortion.
However, in February 2024, these leaders orchestrated a comprehensive strategy that not only cleared the road but also dismantled illegal structures and removed criminal hideouts that had plagued the area.
This decisive action not only restored safety and security but also eliminated the extortion that had hindered Nigeria’s ease of doing business agenda.
Governor Sanwo-Olu mobilized the strength of the Lagos State Government in a sustained collaboration with NPA management to enforce the port landlord’s directive of allowing only electronically called-up trucks to approach the ports.
This measure aimed to streamline traffic and prevent the ports’ access roads from becoming parking lots for trucks and tankers.
Mohammed Bello-Koko, leveraging a blend of technology and rigorous supervision, ensured that trucks and tankers no longer used the access roads for unauthorized parking or maintenance, thereby improving overall traffic flow and safety.
Sylvester Othuke Egede and Charles Bamidele Okaga, as frontline port managers, worked tirelessly day and night, engaging directly with haulage truck operators, security agencies, and other stakeholders in the port community. Their efforts were instrumental in achieving compliance with new regulations and maintaining order along the crucial port access routes.
“Today, seamless access to the ports has become a wonderful experience,” stated Governor Sanwo-Olu, reflecting on the transformation from previous years of congestion and chaos.
“We have eradicated the bottlenecks that impeded our economic growth and caused undue hardship to businesses.”
Recent checks showed that export-laden trucks, which previously faced extended transit times due to congestion, are now experiencing smoother journeys. This development is particularly beneficial for perishable goods, where delays can lead to significant financial losses.
The combined efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu, Mohammed Bello-Koko, Sylvester Othuke Egede, and Charles Bamidele Okaga have not only revitalized Nigeria’s port infrastructure but also set a precedent for effective governance and collaborative leadership in the nation’s logistics sector.
Their achievement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable economic development and global competitiveness in maritime trade.
JournalNG