The Nigerian Ports Authority, in partnership with the Lagos State Government and other agencies, has started a three-day clean-up operation to tackle congestion and security issues along the Lagos Port corridors.
The exercise, which began this week, is called NPA Security Clearance Operations 2025. It focuses on clearing the access roads leading to major port facilities such as Tincan Island Port, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I & II, and surrounding areas.
In a statement on Friday, the NPA said the aim is to remove criminal elements, shanties, kiosks, and abandoned containers that block traffic and pose safety risks to cargo, port users, and vessels.
“It aims to tackle the issues hindering smooth operations at the ports and pave the way for greater port efficiency,” the statement read.
The operation also supports international port security standards under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code developed by the International Maritime Organisation.
While flagging off the exercise, the NPA’s Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the clean-up would help improve safety and boost trade. He was represented by Anthony Edosomwan, the NPA’s General Manager of Security.
“The ports are the gateway to the national economy. It is our duty to work with other agencies to maintain order and security,” he said.
Dantsoho added that the poor state of the port corridors had caused delays and inefficiencies, affecting Nigeria’s economy and trade activities.
“The congestion and delays caused by these issues have been a major hindrance to the efficient functioning of ports, affecting trade facilitation and ultimately, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product,” he explained.
To make sure the operation is successful, the NPA said it earlier ran public awareness campaigns to educate residents, traders, and port users about the importance of keeping the port areas clean and safe.
“This is a crucial step in gathering support and cooperation from all stakeholders,” Dantsoho said.
He also stressed that protecting the environment around the ports is just as important as clearing congestion.
“This clean-up operation is not only beneficial to the ports’ operations but also to the surrounding communities and the environment as a whole,” he added.
The NPA said the project is part of a larger plan to ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability at Nigeria’s ports, and it urged the public to support the initiative.
