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  • Customs, NDLEA smash drug smuggling ring, intercept 347.5kg Canadian loud in Apapa port

    Customs, NDLEA smash drug smuggling ring, intercept 347.5kg Canadian loud in Apapa port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has swooped on a suspected international drug trafficking ring that specialises in smuggling Canadian loud and other prohibited items into the country through the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa.

    Findings revealed that 347.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud; a potent strain of cannabis,  hidden inside an imported Toyota Sienna vehicle was intercepted though the joint efforts.

    A detailed weighing of the seized confirmed the breakdown as 10 bags at 25kg each, One at 29kg, and Two at 34.5kg and 34kg respectively, totaling 347.5kg.

    The illicit substance was concealed by the traffickers in 13 bags within one of four vehicles contained in a single import consignment.

    The seizure was made barely 24 hours after the Customs Area Controller, Emmanuel Oshoba, received a World Customs Organisation (WCO) Certificate of Merit. 

    The interception marks the fourth significant joint drug seizure by the NCS and NDLEA at Apapa Port under two months, underscoring Comptroller Oshoba’s firm commitment that no cargo whether import or export will pass through the port without thorough examination.

    According to Oshoba: “Any attempt by criminal elements to traffic prohibited items through Apapa Port will be detected and thwarted. We remain vigilant and resolute in the discharge of our duty to protect our society and national security.”

    The operation , Osoba said, highlights the exemplary inter-agency collaboration championed by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

    “Through intelligence sharing and joint efforts, NCS and NDLEA officers have consistently outmaneuvered smuggling networks in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” Osoba said.

    He noted that the seizure is a direct outcome of this strengthened partnership and emphasised that the upcoming deployment of a high-capacity 200-container-per-hour drive-through scanner will further enhance technology-driven anti-smuggling operations. 

    Both the NCS and NDLEA’s  Standard Operating Procedures continue to foster zero tolerance, unwavering professionalism and seamless cooperation among officers.

    Read Also: World Customs hails Nigeria’s report on ports efficiency

    In line with established protocols, the seized 347.5kg of Canadian Loud has been formally handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution of associated suspects.

    This latest success builds on the recognition accorded to Comptroller Oshoba and NDLEA Apapa Special Area Commander Mohammed Tukur, who were both awarded the WCO Certificate of Merit on Monday, 26 January 2026, in Abuja as part of activities commemorating the International Customs Day celebrations in Nigeria. 

    This interception, Osoba said, ” aligns with the 2026 ICD theme: “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”

    The Area Controller reaffirms the Command’s dedication to facilitating legitimate trade while intensifying efforts to disrupt illicit activities and safeguard society. 

  • Customs moves to end physical cargo checks at Apapa Port

    Customs moves to end physical cargo checks at Apapa Port

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is edging closer to ending physical cargo examination at Apapa Port as preparations intensify for the full deployment of the FS6000 cargo scanner at APM Terminals, Lagos.

    The move is move expected to significantly reshape cargo clearance at the country’s busiest maritime gateway.

    The scanner, with a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour, has completed final test runs and simulation exercises, signalling readiness for operational rollout and a transition to non-intrusive, technology-driven inspections.

    The development followed a working visit to the scanning site by the Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Oluyomi Adebakin, to assess pre-operational readiness and alignment with Customs’ trade modernisation agenda.

    The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, in a statement, said the initiative was part of a broader strategy to migrate to a paperless clearance environment in line with international best practices and improved trade facilitation.

    READ ALSO: Malami’s burden

    According to him, the FS6000 scanner has successfully undergone all required simulations, marking a major milestone in Customs’ push to reduce manual intervention in cargo processing at Apapa Port.

    Speaking during the inspection, Adebakin said the visit was aimed at ensuring a smooth transition to scanner-based examination.

     She described the deployment as “a critical step in modernising customs operations and improving efficiency at the nation’s busiest port.”

    She disclosed that operational preparedness had reached about 80 per cent, noting that outstanding components required for full take-off were being addressed. Adebakin stressed that scanner deployment was a collective responsibility involving the Nigeria Customs Service, APM Terminals, and the Trade Modernisation Project.

    Assuring port users of tangible business benefits, she said the scanner would deliver faster cargo clearance, reduced demurrage, improved compliance and enhanced ease of doing business across the port ecosystem.

    “The FS6000 scanner has a throughput capacity of about 200 containers per hour,” Adebakin said, highlighting its suitability for high-volume port operations. She added that non-intrusive inspection would eliminate delays and cargo damage associated with physical examinations while also strengthening revenue protection.

    On his part, the Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ICT-driven reforms and sustained stakeholder collaboration. He said the deployment underscored Customs’ resolve to modernise port operations, strengthen trade facilitation and improve transparency at Apapa Port.

    For maritime operators, the imminent deployment signals a structural shift in cargo handling—one expected to decongest terminals, cut transaction costs and reposition Apapa Port for more competitive regional trade flows.

  • ‘Apapa Port is hub of ease-of-doing-business’

    ‘Apapa Port is hub of ease-of-doing-business’

    Businessmen and women have been urged to take advantage of the ease-of-doing-business initiative at Apapa Port.

    Customs Area Controller of Apapa Port Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu made the case in Abuja during the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Awards where the Apapa Port Command was recognised for its outstanding performance, receiving three prestigious awards in the areas of trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall excellence.

    He highlighted the simplified procedures implemented under the CGC’s modernisation regime to ensure seamless trade processes.

    “We invite more businesses to leverage the facilities and initiatives at Apapa Port. Our commitment remains unwavering in ensuring efficient trade facilitation and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth,” he stated.

    The awards were presented to the Apapa Command during the CGC awards night, underscoring its pivotal role in enhancing trade efficiency and boosting government revenue.

    At the event, Olomu also emerged as the Best Customs Area Controller of the Year.

    Olomu was reputed to have set up a revenue recovery committee to address leakages, especially in bonded terminals.

    He also established a team to address complaints and disputes.

    He said the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) raked in about N2.1 trillion into the Federal Government coffers in 2024.

    Olomu said this represented a significant revenue collection increase since he assumed duty as the Area Controller of the Command.

    Olomu said: “We sincerely appreciate the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the management of the NCS for this recognition. It’s a testament to the teamwork and dedication of the officers and men of the command. I also thank our stakeholders for their high compliance level, which significantly contributed to the N2.1 trillion credited to the command.”

    Read Also: Customs collects N1.6tr in Apapa Port

    He assured the CGC of the command’s unwavering commitment to surpassing expectations.

    He said:  “This award is a tonic for us to do better. The three awards for trade facilitation, revenue generation, and overall best command and area controller, will only motivate us further. For 2025, once targets are assigned, we are confident of surpassing them because trade facilitation is key to revenue generation.

    “By simplifying procedures and ensuring compliance, we will continue to support stakeholders and sister agencies to generate greater revenue for the government.”

    Speaking during the awards presentation in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Mr. Wale Adeniyi, described the event as a celebration of excellence that transcended routine achievements.

  • Apapa port records rise in export volumes

    Apapa port records rise in export volumes

    Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals, Apapa, has over the past four years, recorded continuous increase in its export volumes.

    The APM Terminals Apapa Manager, Mr Steen Knudsen, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Monday.

    Knudsen described non oil export cargo as an integral part of the terminal’s business.

    “The terminal’s half-year (H1) export figures for non-oil cargo in 2024 stands at 51,000 TEUS, a rise of 25 percent Year-On-Year when compared with 47,000 TEUs for H1 2023.

    “Over the last four years, we have witnessed a steady growth in non-oil export cargo. In 2020, export volumes stood at 53,000 TEUs, in 2021 it rose to 63,000 TEUs and in 2022, 71,000 TEUs.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Notorious bandits leaders killed by Nigerian Military

    “The greatest rise in exports was recorded in 2023, when volumes rose to 94,000 TEUs, an increase of 32 per cent, ” he said.

    To continue to drive this growth in non oil exports, Knudsen said that the terminal would soon be hosting its second exporters forum.

    He said that the exporters’ forum was  a way of supporting the Federal Government’s non-oil export drive.

    “The forum is basically a brainstorming session where we rub minds with the various exporting associations in the country on how best to resolve their challenges.

    “This is to help  them  facilitate more efficient movement of exports into the ports.

    “More exports out of Nigeria translates to lower shipping costs since the vessels do not go back empty.

    “We will continue to partner with our customers and all relevant government agencies in the port to encourage Nigerian exporters in their business,” he said.

    He said that the APM Terminals’ Apapa exporters forum was launched earlier in June.

    According to him, it provides a safe place for the terminal, its export customers and shipping lines to discuss issues that impeded the flow of export cargo into the port.

    The Head of Commercial, Mr Kayode Daniels,  said that the maiden forum launched in June was a huge success.

    “We got so much feedback from the exporters on how we could collaborate to streamline our processes to improve export volumes.

    “With agro-export produce, time is of the essence as prolonged storage in containers could ruin the quality of the cargo before it gets to its destination.

    “The feedback we receive in the forum will be used to improve our operations and other associated processes concerned with non oil exports.

    “I believe we can all work together to further strengthen the port’s export process,” he said.

    The APM Terminals Nigeria, Market and Commercial Intelligence Manager, Mr Adetunji Igbaugba, described the terminal’s culture as one of continuous improvement.

    “One of the ways we can improve is by hearing from our esteemed customers.

    “This was a major reason for the first export forum held in June, and the invaluable feedback from our customers and stakeholders assisted in the improvements recorded.

    “In preparation for the coming export season, we will be proactively having another session to review and look at ways we can jointly eliminate future challenges and  service our customers better,”he said.

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • Danish firm Maersk to invest $600m in Apapa Port, others

    Danish firm Maersk to invest $600m in Apapa Port, others

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign investment drive yesterday yielded $600 million investments.

    The investments were attracted from Denmark for the expansion of  ports infrastructural to accommodate more container shipping services.

    He said the Federal Government would protect the investment and ensure ease of doing business.

    The $600 million investments, which were offered by the Danish shipping and logistics company, A.P Moller-Maersk, would complement the $1 billion being invested by the Federal Government on the seaport reconstruction in the eastern and western flanks of the country.

    The Chairman of A.P Moller-Maersk, Mr. Robert Maersk Uggla, unfolded the investment plan during a meeting with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    The President noted that the investment would further support the push for port modernisation and process automation through the implementation of the national single window project.

    The single window project is designed to enhance trade facilitation, easing import/export flow, reducing corruption at the ports, and improving the efficiency and transparency of port processes, he said.

    President Tinubu added: “We appreciate your business and the contribution you have made and continue to make to our country’s economy over time. We do not take our partners for granted. A bet on Nigeria is a winning bet. It is also a bet that rewards beyond what is obtainable elsewhere.

    “More investment opportunities are available, and my government has worked on various reforms to encourage investments. We need to encourage more opportunities for revenue expansion and minimize trans-shipments from larger ships to smaller ships.”

    The President assured Maersk of his administration’s commitment to collaboration and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the country.

    Read Also: NIMASA: Apapa Port’s modular floating dock installation set

    He cited Maersk’s previous partnership in the development of the Ogun State container terminal as a testament to fruitful partnerships with the reputable logistics company.

    Highlighting Maersk’s longstanding engagement in Nigeria, Mr. Uggla said his company had made significant investments of over $2 billion in its ports and other activities.

    He said Nigerian ports should be able to accommodate larger container ships, adding that port infrastructure should be expanded to meet the demand while reducing the cost of logistics.

    Uggla said: ‘’We have seen a significant opportunity for Nigeria to cater for larger container ships. Historically, most of the West African coasts are already served by smaller ships. Currently, we see an opportunity to deploy larger ships to Nigeria.

    “To achieve this, we need to expand the port infrastructure, especially in Lagos, where we need a bigger hub for logistics services. The growth potential is hard to quantify.

    ‘’We believe in Nigeria, and we will invest $600 million in existing facilities and make the ports accommodating for bigger ships.

    ‘’In my humble view, given that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria should have the best and biggest port and we are very eager to invest, and we will continue that dialogue with the relevant Nigerian authorities to explore further investment opportunities.”

    We will protect foreign investment

     President Tinubu said Nigeria would protect foreign investors by sustaining the willing-buyer/willing-seller principle, which ensures seamless access to capital for investors within and outside the country.

    He gave the assurance during a meeting with the President and Chief Executive Officer of Samsung, Hong Namkoong, and the Chairman of Samsung Investment Global, Jungwook Kim, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    The President said, according a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, that investment is safe in Nigeria.

    He said: ‘’Nigeria is a very huge country with a huge and able population. We have vibrant youths ready to learn and progress. In fact, our young do not wait for us. They go ahead of us in their determination to succeed. We must keep up and provide opportunities for them to excel with.

    “We have an infrastructure deficit and you can take advantage of that and invest early and deeply in an environment that is absorptive and ready for it. It is modeled after a willing-buyer and willing-seller arrangement. Easy capital in and easy capital out.”

    The President spoke on  the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which involves the potential utilization of co-finance instruments on critical infrastructure and technology, which Samsung is well known to produce.

    He also alluded to the importance of deepening collaboration in the crude oil, natural gas, renewable energy, engineering, technology and agriculture sectors, emphasizing the potential for vast private sector participation in the establishment of fully-embedded, off-grid, cold-chain integration across sub-industries in the agriculture sector to forestall post-harvest losses with mass refrigeration capacity.

  • NIMASA: Apapa Port’s modular floating dock installation set

    NIMASA: Apapa Port’s modular floating dock installation set

    The Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration (NIMASA) has initiated the preparatory phase for deploying the modular floating dock at Apapa Continental Shipyard.

    Bashir Jamoh, the director-general, made this announcement in a statement released on Wednesday, February 14, in Lagos.

    He said that the installation preparations are underway for the heavy 50-ton cylindrical spuds, which will serve as anchors for the dock.

    He added that the agency had moved the floating dock to a jetty at the Standard Flour Mills in Apapa ahead of its scheduled installation at its operational base at the Continental Shipyard, Apapa.

    Jamoh expressed confidence in the agency’s progress, stating, “We are moving slowly but steadily to our destination. Today, we are lifting out the cylindrical spuds to be prepared for piling at the Continental Shipyard where the floating dock is scheduled to commence operations.”

    He assured stakeholders of the agency’s commitment to operationalising the floating dock soon, highlighting the prospect for Nigeria to “save foreign earnings” via this maritime advancement.

    “This is a critical infrastructure that will enhance Nigeria’s maritime capabilities and position us as a major player in the global shipping industry,” the NIMASA DG added as per the project’s significance.

    With engineers and experts working nonstop to ensure the dock’s prompt and seamless operation, the installation procedure is anticipated to take several weeks. But on completion, the port will offer ship owners and operators a cutting-edge location for maintaining and repairing their ships.

    Read Also: Relocate NNPCL, NIMASA, NPA to Niger Delta, Nabena begs Tinubu

    Furthermore, the project which will be run on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement aims to create employment opportunities, train seafarers, and develop maritime professionals; ultimately contributing to the growth of the maritime industry and the country’s economy.

    The Nation reports that floating docks are used where the water variation is usually more than 24 feet during the boating season or in depths that are over eight feet.

    To operate the modular docking station, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) strategically leased specific sections at the Continental Shipyard in 2023.

    The areas comprise the Dolphin Jetty, the jetty’s shoreline that adjourns the slipway, an administrative block, and a workshop for construction, welding, mechanical work, and civil maintenance, among others.

  • APM Terminals to invest $500m in Apapa port

    APM Terminals to invest $500m in Apapa port

    The owners of APM Terminals yesterday expressed their readiness to invest half a billion dollars in Apapa Port, Lagos,  to make it one of the biggest in Africa.

    It’s Global Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Keith Svendsen, stated this when he visited Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola in Abuja.

    The minister reinstated government’s commitment to mordenise ports in the country to reverse the current trend that makes other ports in Africa more attractive than Nigerian ports.

    The APM group also met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    At the meeting were Oyetola, Ministers of Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and Transport, Seidu Alkali.

    During the meeting, Oyetola highlighted some of the modernisation plans of the government with regards to the ports.

    Read Also: Customs: Apapa Port records N1.172tr

    Svendsen, who was accompanied by Fredrick Klinke , CEO APM Terminals, Nigeria, and Koye Edu, a member of board, noted that in the last one year, the Onne ports had been doing better that the Durban ports (South Africa), adding that at the moment, the turnaround time in Onne had been reduced by 65 percent.

    Oyetola, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olorunola Olufemi, and the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, assured the group of the support of his ministry.

    He said: “We have resolved to modernise the ports, we are only looking at funding strategies. We have resolved to increase the drought level of the Apapa and Tincan ports from the current 13.5 to 16.5 percent to allow bigger vessels to berth so that we can reverse the current trend that is making other ports more attractive than ours.”

    “We are excited about this potential investment. We will be glad to have the specifics soonest so we can know the areas you want to invest in, we can make progress. I can assure you, you have a partner in us.”

  • Customs: Apapa Port records N1.172tr

    Customs: Apapa Port records N1.172tr

    • Seme generates N5.94b

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), Apapa Port, and Seme Area Command, Lagos, have announced that it generated N1.172trillion and N5.94 billion  in 2023.

    The Area Comptrollers made these known yesterday, during the decorations of newly-promoted Customs officers in their commands.

    The Apapa Ports Comptroller, Babajide Jaiyeoba, appreciated the promoted officers for their immense contribution in attaining the revenue collection even as he recalled the process.

    He said: “When I assumed duty in September 2023, I discovered that we were far from realising our revenue collection target; so, we thought out strategies on the way forward.

    “We embarked on daily strategic meetings and these officers who were part of the team as terminal or sectional heads pushed to ensure we met the target. That is why we are honouring them today.

    While he enjoined the newly decorated officers, Jaiyeoba noted: “Promotion does not come from anybody but from God and hard work in active service; promotion means more work, so more is required of you.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s policies have worked well for us – Airtel Boss

    “With this promotion, more is expected from us in terms of revenue collection because soon, the revenue target will be issued and we should understand that the target will increase.”

    The Apapa Port’s boss also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGS), Adewale Adeniyi, for his concern for the well-being of the Nigeria Customs Service officers and men.

    He recalled that upon Adeniyi’s appointment as NCS chief in June 2023, he made a pledge to ensure that the officers and men would receive their promotions when due, and that pledge was now being fulfilled.

    The Customs Service has done well by beginning the year with the promotion of officers,” stated the Director, Department of State Security, Apapa Command, Nasiru Ibrahim, in his goodwill message.

    According to him, the promotion portends great things for the Customs Service in 2024.

    Meanwhile, the Seme Area Command’s Comptroller, Timi Bomodi revealed N1,966,000,000 was the command’s revenue target for 2023, noting as of December 31, 2023, the command had collected the sum of N5,946,174,156.62 only.

    He said: “The above figure surpasses the set target for the Command by N3,980,174,156.62 only, which represents a 297 percent addition.

    “The 2023 revenue figures collected when compared to the corresponding period of the year 2022, exceeded the N1,409,498,950.08 only collected by N4,536,675,206.54, representing a 322 per cent increase.

    “The 2023 revenue collection was the highest collection since 2019. This reinforces our commitment to ensure that the Lagos-Abidjan corridor is perceived more as a trade enabler with huge potential for our best at ensuring that the Command achieves its full potential of trade facilitation exponential growth. We will continue to do without hindrance.”

    Bomodi acknowledged that the command made 513 interceptions worth N1,374,245,832.00 in the area of anti-smuggling operations.

    This includes 14,181 bags of rice which is equivalent to 24 trailers, 1,220,130 litres of petrol which is equivalent to 37 tankers load, 29 smuggled vehicles, 8,278 drugs and narcotics, and 9,639 packets of general merchandise.

    According to him, the command also apprehended 37 suspects in connection with different seizures during the period under review.

    He declared that the NCS management’s incentives and motivation for the command’s officers and men were responsible for the accomplishments the command reported in the past year while assuring the command will continue to sustain the tempo in the fight against all illicit trade within its nooks and crannies.

    “Given the encouragement and support we have received from the Comptroller General of Customs and the entire Management of the Service, we will not only maintain the tempo but work towards meeting whatever target that will be set for us in the current year,” he stated.

    The recently promoted officers were then urged by the Command’s Comptroller to see their current role as a chance to take on additional responsibilities and pledge to continue adding value to the service.

    “For those that are not promoted, it does not mean the newly promoted officers are better than you. Promotion comes from God.

    “Almighty chooses those he wants to elevate. If you don’t get it today, it does not mean that you won’t get it tomorrow,” he added.

  • Fed Govt to demolish Customs building for rail line to Apapa Port

    Fed Govt to demolish Customs building for rail line to Apapa Port

    Transportation Minister Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali has said the building of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) which is obstructing the construction of railway standard gauge to Apapa Ports should be demolished.

    He directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to ensure that the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Train Station at Apapa becomes operational within three weeks.

    Alkali said these at a meeting with the management and leaders of the Nigerian Railway Workers Association at the corporation’s headquarters in Lagos.

    The minister assured them that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration was committed to the railway modernisation master plan.

    The NCS building had escaped demolition for four years under two substantive ministers.

    Sources at the NCS said the building had radioactive equipment, which may constitute health hazards, if not carefully demolished.

    Read Also: Govt begins decongesting Apapa Ports with freight train haulage

    Alkali said the discovery that the building was still standing after several directives to the contrary “requires urgent executive action”.

    The minister said it was unfair that the building was preventing the completion of two standard gauge lines to convey containers from Lagos to Kano.

    Members of the National Union of Railway Workers (NUR) hailed the minister when he promised to ensure the payment of unimplemented presidential approval for the upward review of their special allowances.

    “I am assuring you that through personal contact and using administrative machineries, I will reach out to the acting Comptroller General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, and the Chairman National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission to facilitate removal of the Customs building at APTM and ensure speedy implementation of the presidential approval of increased special allowances for Railway workers,” Alkali said.

    The minister praised the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for establishing the rail wagon assembly plant at Kajola in Ogun State, which is already assembling some wagons.

    He requested that the plant should go into the container and coach assembly to boost economic activities, especially with the expansion of rail projects in the country.

    Alkali also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation Property Limited, the NRC’s subsidiary, to provide comprehensive data on the corporation’s real estate assets that would enrich decision making.

    NRC Managing Director Fidet Okhiria urged Alkali to assist the corporation to find lasting solution to the insecurity and vandalisation of critical railway infrastructure across the country.

  • Apapa gridlock: focus on Tin CAN, adjoining bridges Opeifa tells task force

    The Presidential Task force team clearing the Apapa Port and access roads has assured Lagosians that efforts are on top gear to clear the Mile 2/Orile Tin Can road and access roads of all trucks.

    The Task Force Team leader Kayode Opeifa who gave the assurance on Tuesday, said though the trucks can still be seen littering the road all the way from Sanya, on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, up to Tin Can Road, Tin Can First and Second gate and the Tin Can Bridge, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the trucks are cleared and the place opened up.

    “The team is still working and soon we are going to achieve success in the Tin Can axis,” Opeifa said.

    He said the failed portion of the road especially at Coconut Bus Stop, have contributed to the slow pace of work by the Task Force.

    The combined teams of the Police and LASTMA officials are seen controlling traffic at both the Wharf and the Tin Can ends on Tuesday.

    On the Tin Can end, from Sanya inward Tin Can, the trucks have been organised to park on the right shoulder of the road, leaving the fast lane free for other road users. The outward carriageway from Wharf to Tin Can and from Tin Can to Coconut had been cleared from trucks obstruction.

    From the Western Avenue axis, the roads have been completely cleared of all trucks up to Ijora Bridge from where trucks billed to enter the port are seen on the Ijora-Wharf road and bridges, right up to Point Road inward Apapa port.

    At Ijora, the trucks were being controlled to stay on the left shoulder of the road, leaving the right open for other motorists who have no business at the bridge leading to the port entrance.

    Read Also: Apapa Gridlock 50 per cent cleared, says Opeifa

    The Customs checkpoint at Point Road and other access areas have been collapsed in line with the presidential directive for the Customs to suspend any activities that might impede the progress of the Task Force in clearing the roads of gridlocks.

    A commuter, Cletus Orizu, who sells wrist watches at Apapa, said the exercise has given so much relief to people who daily go to Apapa to eke out a living.

    “From Ojuelegba, I was surprised when we made it to Leventis in Apapa in less than 40 minutes. That same journey used to take us over two to three hours every day, so I can say that we have started seeing the impact of the exercise in just three days already,” Orizu said.

    At Tin Can a commercial motorcycle operator who called himself Mohammed want the Federal Government to speed up work on the repair of Tin Can road. He said the trucks clearing currently going on would be a waste if the road is still in its present bad shape.