Mathew Amaechi
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in partnership with the Lagos State Government and key security agencies, has been conducting a three-day “NPA Security Clearance Operations 2025” campaign along all access routes to the Tincan Island Complex, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I & II, and surrounding port environs.
The operation combines intensive removal of illegal structures, shanties, and obstructing containers with public sensitization on the importance of a secure, unencumbered port corridor. By flushing out criminal elements, miscreants, and environmental hazards, the exercise seeks to restore free traffic flow, enhance safety for personnel and vessels, and boost overall port efficiency in line with the IMO’s International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The clean-up targets all entry approaches to the two major Lagos ports (Tincan Island and Apapa) as well as the Kirikiri lighter terminals. This mirrors prior efforts in April 2022, when NPA and Lagos State met stakeholders on traffic control management along these same corridors.
Despite electronic call-up systems like the e-Call-Up introduced in 2021, the Apapa–Tin Can–Mile 2 corridor has long suffered gridlock, sometimes halting container releases entirely. Truckers themselves endorsed the e-Call-Up to curb extortion and delays, though enforcement remains uneven.
This initiative also implements measures from the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), adopted under SOLAS Chapter XI-2 to safeguard maritime facilities worldwide.
By controlling access, monitoring restricted areas, and removing concealment opportunities, NPA’s current campaign fulfills core ISPS objectives of risk assessment and threat deterrence.
Speaking at the flag-off, NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho—appointed by President Tinubu in July 2024—emphasized the corridors’ role as international gateways and the need for collective action to maintain them.
He noted that previous public enlightenment by the NPA Security Division laid the groundwork for this operation, aiming to secure buy-in from all port stakeholders.
“Our ports are the nation’s economic arteries. Removing obstructions not only secures lives and assets but also stimulates trade facilitation and GDP growth,” Dr. Dantsoho said.
Beyond immediate security gains, the clean-up advances environmental sustainability, reducing pollution impact on neighbouring communities. It complements the broader NPA vision for a modern, efficient port system operating seamlessly around the clock.
With this operation, the NPA and Lagos State Government send a clear message: port congestion and unsafe conditions will no longer be tolerated. Continued public cooperation and inter-agency collaboration remain vital as Nigeria steers its ports toward a more secure and prosperous future.