By Joy Enamuna
The dreaded traffic congestion that once crippled Apapa and its adjoining areas has returned, sparking fears of another major disruption to port activities and daily commuting in Lagos.
Despite several interventions by government agencies, the once-eased routes are again choked by tankers and articulated vehicles competing for access to the ports. Residents, port workers, and business owners say the gridlock intensifies towards evening, making movement almost impossible.
Findings by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists revealed that while Apapa roads remain relatively free during the day, a line of trucks begins forming from the Costain and Mile 2 corridors as dusk approaches. From the Ijora–Olopa Bridge to Apapa and from Coconut Bus Stop to Tin Can Island’s gates, long queues of trucks allegedly pay between N30,000 and N50,000 to secure passage.
Sources alleged that some officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and the Nigeria Police are aiding the racketeering network by looking the other way while the illegal tolls persist.
Wharf Road, Warehouse Road, Burma Road, Commercial Road, and Creek Road have become flashpoints of the congestion. By 5 p.m., many motorists reportedly abandon their vehicles and resort to commercial motorcycles to escape the traffic before nightfall.
Moses Fadipe, former National Coordinator of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), attributed the situation to the resurgence of vested interests who once benefitted from the disorder. He said the Lagos State Government is fully aware of the steps needed to prevent another full-blown crisis.
Martins Enibeli, President of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS) and the Nigerian Licensed Ship Chandlers Association (NILSCA), blamed the government’s lack of sincerity for the relapse.
“Bonded terminals should be relocated far from the ports and connected by rail. Government must stop concentrating port operations in the West while neglecting other regions,” Enibeli stated.
A senior official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that a syndicate involving both state and non-state actors is cashing in on the chaos, collecting tolls from truckers to maintain the status quo.
Stakeholders are now calling for immediate federal intervention to dismantle the extortion network and restore sanity to Apapa’s transport corridors before port operations are once again brought to a halt.
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