The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for the establishment of a comprehensive port corridor coordination mechanism involving federal and state authorities to alleviate the persistent gridlock plaguing Apapa and Tin Can ports. This strategic proposal aims to streamline operations, reduce exorbitant logistics costs, and enhance Nigeria’s overall trade competitiveness.
According to the LCCI, the current chaotic situation at these vital maritime gateways imposes significant economic burdens on businesses, including demurrage charges, inflated haulage fees, and prolonged delays in goods clearance. The Chamber’s recommendation advocates for a unified approach, integrating various government agencies and stakeholders to ensure seamless port operations and effective traffic management.
The proposed coordination mechanism would bring together key federal entities such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), alongside the Lagos State Government and private sector operators like Truck Transit Park (TTP) Ltd. This collaborative effort is designed to address the systemic issues contributing to the gridlock, which has undermined efficiency despite previous interventions.
LCCI President, Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, emphasised the necessity of standardising and digitalising port processes to minimise human interface and eradicate corruption. The Chamber highlighted that a lack of coordinated policy implementation and fragmented regulatory oversight has hindered past attempts at resolving the crisis, making a centralised approach imperative for sustainable change.
Central to the LCCI’s proposal are several actionable strategies. These include the full automation of port procedures, establishing a unified system for port entry and exit management, and designating dedicated holding bays or truck parks situated outside the immediate port environs. The goal is to prevent trucks from queuing on access roads, which is a primary cause of congestion.
Furthermore, the LCCI advocates for significant improvements in road infrastructure leading to the ports, alongside the creation of dedicated truck lanes to facilitate smoother movement. Effective enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, coupled with a review of existing port concession agreements, are also critical components. The Chamber believes these measures would foster greater accountability and operational efficiency among all stakeholders.
The Chamber reiterated that the economic fallout from the gridlock is substantial, affecting manufacturing, import, and export businesses alike. High logistics costs driven by port inefficiencies directly impact the cost of doing business in Nigeria, rendering local products less competitive on the global stage and increasing consumer prices domestically. The LCCI views a unified regulatory framework, or an empowered task force with clear mandates and timelines, as essential to drive these reforms.
Previous initiatives, such as the electronic call-up system (Eto) introduced by the NPA, have shown some promise but have not entirely eradicated the congestion. The LCCI’s latest proposal seeks to build upon these efforts by ensuring a more holistic and integrated strategy that tackles both infrastructural and systemic challenges. The Chamber urges all relevant government bodies to consider its recommendations seriously, highlighting the urgent need for a permanent solution to a problem that continues to stifle economic growth and trade.
The success of such a coordination mechanism hinges on political will, inter-agency cooperation, and rigorous enforcement. Businesses operating in Nigeria continue to grapple with port inefficiencies, making the LCCI’s call for comprehensive and coordinated action a critical intervention for the nation’s economic prosperity and global trade standing. More details on the proposal can be found via BusinessDay and through the official Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry channels.
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