FG Launches Clean-Up Operation to Improve Apapa and Tin Can Port Corridors

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has unveiled plans to carry out a significant clean-up and enforcement exercise along the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors in Lagos.

The operation is scheduled for May 14 and 15, 2026, and is designed to improve trade facilitation and boost efficiency at Nigeria’s major seaports.

This initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to address long-standing issues that have hampered port operations in Lagos, a vital hub for trade across West Africa.

Addressing Long-Standing Challenges

According to Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the Director General of PEBEC, the clean-up operation aims to restore order and streamline activities in one of Nigeria’s busiest maritime zones. The exercise is aligned with the government’s commitment to creating a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly business environment.

The operation will focus on several persistent challenges that have plagued the port corridors for years, including:

• Traffic congestion
• Illegal checkpoints
• Indiscriminate truck parking
• Environmental degradation
• Other unregulated activities

These issues have created significant barriers to the smooth movement of cargo, driving up the cost of doing business in the ports.

Improving Traffic Flow and Reducing Delays

PEBEC noted that the clean-up initiative would focus on improving traffic management and ensuring smoother cargo flow in and out of the ports. This, in turn, will reduce delays that port users and businesses often face, thereby boosting trade efficiency and improving the overall business environment.

Enhancing Environmental and Public Order

In addition to traffic management, the clean-up operation will also target environmental sanitation and public order within the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors. This includes:

• Removal of illegal structures
• Clearing operational obstructions

By addressing these issues, the operation aims to restore order, improve safety, and create a more conducive environment for port users.

Strengthening Collaboration Among Stakeholders

A key component of the operation is strengthening collaboration among security and regulatory agencies. Multiple agencies will work together to ensure the smooth execution of the clean-up. These agencies include:

• Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
• Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
• Nigeria Police Force
• Lagos State Government
• Port terminal operators
• Relevant unions and other regulatory bodies

This joint effort will ensure that the exercise is carried out efficiently, with long-term improvements in mind for the port environment.

Conclusion: A Step Toward a More Efficient Port System

The clean-up and enforcement exercise at the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors represents a major step in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sectors. By tackling traffic congestion, reducing delays, and enhancing environmental sanitation, the government aims to create a more efficient and business-friendly environment for stakeholders.

This initiative is vital to Nigeria’s efforts to boost trade competitiveness and modernise the country’s port infrastructure. As the project progresses, it is expected to lead to more effective port management, faster cargo handling, and a smoother experience for businesses and port users across the nation.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the clean-up operation at Apapa and Tin Can Ports?

The operation aims to tackle long-standing issues such as traffic congestion, illegal checkpoints, and environmental degradation, all of which have hindered efficient cargo movement and trade at the ports.

2. Who is involved in the clean-up operation?

The operation will involve key stakeholders such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Government, port terminal operators, and other security and regulatory agencies.

3. When will the clean-up operation take place?

The clean-up and enforcement operation is scheduled to take place on May 14 and 15, 2026.

4. What are the expected outcomes of the operation?

The expected outcomes include improved traffic management, reduced delays, enhanced environmental sanitation, and better public order within the Apapa and Tin Can Port corridors.

5. How will the clean-up operation benefit Nigerian businesses?

By improving traffic flow, reducing delays, and clearing obstructions, the operation will make it easier for goods to move in and out of the ports, ultimately boosting trade efficiency and reducing the cost of doing business for Nigerian companies.