The Nigerian Federal Government, in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State Government, has initiated a large-scale demolition operation targeting shanties and extortion points near the Lagos ports.
The primary objective of this collaborative effort is to bolster trade facilitation while improving security and ensuring the safety of port users within the state.
A recent statement from the NPA confirmed that the operation, which commenced on Sunday, is being executed jointly by personnel from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigerian Police, NPA’s security department, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
During a press conference addressing the significance of this development, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State emphasized the need for secure port areas that uphold their international reputation.
While represented by Hassan Adekoya, Head of Operations for the Lagos State Special Traffic Management Committee, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of the ports and eliminating any obstructions that impede trade facilitation.
“Lagos State government is dedicated to uplifting the standards of the ports in Lagos and ensuring the removal of any obstacles that hinder trade facilitation,” stated Adekoya on behalf of the governor. “I am endorsing this NPA initiative wholeheartedly, as the Lagos ports are a reflection of our state.
It is incumbent upon us to support the NPA’s management and maintain a clean, safe, and secure environment. We will continue with the clearance operation until the government’s message of commitment to sanitizing the ports in Lagos is unequivocally received.”
The week-long operation will commence at the Apapa Port Complex, extending to Lilypond and subsequently progressing inward to Apapa. The scope of the operation will cover the Tin-Can first and second gates, as well as Kirikiri Lighter Terminal one and two.
This collaborative effort among Nigerian authorities showcases a proactive approach to optimizing trade facilitation and prioritizing the security and safety of individuals utilizing the Lagos ports
