NPA, Police, Lagos Govt Unveil Joint Task Force to End Port Corridor Extortion
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Police Force, and the Lagos State Government have agreed to establish a joint task force aimed at eliminating extortion, illegal checkpoints, and operational bottlenecks along the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors. The decision was reached during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened to address persistent challenges affecting cargo movement and trade facilitation around Nigeria’s busiest seaports.
Speaking after the meeting, NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the initiative was designed to address growing concerns over extortion, unauthorized roadblocks, overlapping security responsibilities, and traffic congestion that continue to hinder efficient port operations. He noted that illegal collections remain prevalent along major routes connecting the ports to areas such as Berger, Isolo, Ikorodu, and Surulere.
Dantsoho explained that stakeholders also identified jurisdictional conflicts among security agencies as a major challenge affecting smooth operations within the port environment. He disclosed that both the Maritime Police Command and the Lagos State Police Command denied authorizing officers to mount checkpoints or roadblocks along port access roads.
According to him, the newly formed task force will strengthen coordination among government agencies, security operatives, freight forwarders, and truck owners to ensure a more efficient cargo evacuation process and improve the ease of doing business at Nigerian ports. He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness and position its ports as preferred maritime gateways in Africa.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Command, Okunade Ronke Nurat, assured stakeholders that any police officer found operating unauthorized checkpoints or engaging in extortion would face disciplinary action. She encouraged port users and truck operators to report erring officers for immediate investigation and sanctions.
Representing the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Director of Transport Operations, Olasunkanmi Ojowuro, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to implementing resolutions reached at the meeting. He stated that no Lagos State agency would conduct enforcement activities within the port corridor without adhering to the agreed framework established by stakeholders.
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward ending extortion and improving cargo movement. The association expressed optimism that the collaboration would reduce logistics costs, improve freight operations, and enhance trade efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Industry stakeholders believe the task force could help restore order along the Apapa and Tin Can corridors, reduce delays experienced by importers and exporters, and support ongoing efforts to improve the business environment within the nation’s port system.
