NPA, Police, Stakeholders Move to End Extortion on Apapa Port Corridor
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has initiated a collaborative effort with the Nigerian Police Force, other security agencies, freight forwarders, truck operators, and key industry stakeholders to address persistent cases of extortion, unauthorized checkpoints, and jurisdictional conflicts along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
The strategic meeting, held on Tuesday at the NPA Headquarters in Marina, Lagos, was presided over by the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.
Speaking after the engagement, Dantsoho explained that deliberations centred on three critical concerns affecting port operations: illegal roadblocks outside port premises, overlapping responsibilities among security agencies, and the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and operational efficiency.
He noted that the affected areas extend from Tin Can Island Port through Berger and Mile 2, where transporters, importers, and exporters have consistently reported delays and extortion by unauthorized operatives.
According to him, stakeholders made significant progress during the discussions and reached meaningful resolutions aimed at addressing the challenges permanently.
Dantsoho revealed that both the Maritime Police Command and the Lagos State Police Command categorically denied authorizing the establishment of checkpoints or roadblocks along the port access roads, describing the clarification as a positive development.
He further stated that participants, including representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), freight forwarding associations, truck owners, and government agencies, pledged to deepen collaboration to ensure efficient cargo movement and improved port operations.
The NPA boss emphasized the importance of sustaining reforms that have positioned Nigerian ports among the most improved globally, attributing recent successes to the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola.
Representing the Maritime Police Command, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, disclosed plans to establish a joint task force involving the Lagos State Government, the NPA, and relevant stakeholders to coordinate activities around the ports.
She warned that any officer claiming to be acting on behalf of the Maritime Police or Zone 2 Command while engaging in extortion or operating illegal checkpoints should be reported for immediate disciplinary action.
The AIG reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to collaborative operations and stressed that unauthorized officers found exploiting road users would be sanctioned. She also identified the Mr. Biggs and Getty Salad axis as recognized operational locations previously agreed upon in efforts to streamline activities within the port environment.
Officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, speaking on behalf of the state government, reiterated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to efficient transportation and traffic management. They described the Apapa port corridor as a vital economic gateway for both Lagos State and the nation.
The ministry disclosed that stakeholders had resolved to create a joint monitoring, enforcement, and reporting framework to support seamless port operations and improve the ease of doing business.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, representing the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, clarified that Zone 2 has no operational mandate within the port corridor and has not deployed personnel to any location within the ports.
He stated that, as the officer responsible for postings, he could confirm that no Zone 2 personnel had been assigned to the Port Authority area.
The National Secretary-General of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Mohammed Sani Bala, welcomed the outcome of the meeting, noting that security agencies had publicly distanced themselves from the extortion allegedly perpetrated at various checkpoints along the corridor.
He expressed confidence that the proposed committee, comprising government agencies, freight forwarders, and trucking associations, would help eliminate extortion and facilitate smoother cargo evacuation.
Addressing concerns over the activities of touts and illegal operators who harass truck drivers, officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation stated that such issues require a coordinated security response beyond transportation management. They added that offenders arrested by enforcement agencies are routinely prosecuted.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the resolutions reached would usher in a new phase of efficiency, transparency, and improved coordination within the port system. They also sought clarification on the jurisdiction of the proposed committee, particularly concerning areas extending beyond Mile 2.
In response, NPA officials assured participants that the committee’s mandate and operational scope would be clearly defined once it becomes operational.
