By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for deeper collaboration between the state government and port operators to tackle persistent traffic gridlock and logistics challenges around port corridors.
The governor made the call on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Regional President for Africa and Europe of APM Terminals, Mr. Igor van den Essen, at the Deputy Governor’s residence in Ikoyi. Sanwo-Olu was represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized the need for stronger partnerships in key areas such as infrastructure development and community support, noting that the contributions of port operators have helped Lagos maintain its position as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
“We understand our responsibility, and we are happy to play our part. But collaboration is key; we must work together to ensure the environment around the ports is functional and efficient,” he said.
The governor identified truck movement as a major challenge, expressing concern over the inability to track trucks once they leave the port.
“When trucks leave the port, we often don’t know when or how they arrive at their destinations. This poses safety and environmental concerns for our citizens,” he noted.
Although the ports fall under federal jurisdiction, Sanwo-Olu said his administration remains committed to maintaining the surrounding infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and protect residents.
He highlighted the state’s investments in road infrastructure and traffic management around the ports but stressed the need for port authorities to ensure that trucks are roadworthy and compliant with safety standards. He added that containers must be properly secured to prevent accidents.
Sanwo-Olu urged private operators to work closely with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to strengthen pre-exit vehicle checks for trucks to enhance environmental safety and compliance.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Igor van den Essen commended Lagos for its economic progress, describing it as a “strong signal of investor confidence and resilience.”
“For us, as a terminal operator and part of a global shipping company, trade is built on trust in the economy. What you have achieved here is truly impressive,” he said.
He reaffirmed APM Terminals’ commitment to expanding its investments in Lagos, noting that the state remains the cornerstone of the company’s operations in Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederick Klinke, also stressed the need to modernise port infrastructure to support Lagos’ rapid economic growth.
“While significant investments have been made, additional expansion is required for Lagos to fully assume its role as a regional maritime hub,” Klinke said.
He acknowledged the contribution of the Lekki Deep Seaport but added that Lagos still has the potential to increase its capacity for transshipment and regional trade. According to him, APM Terminals is ready to invest in new operational capabilities that will attract larger vessels and boost Nigeria’s role as a distribution centre for West Africa.
Klinke further noted that Lagos ports face space and access constraints due to their location within the city, stressing that developing the proposed Badagry Port over the next decade would be critical.
“We are very keen to partner with the State and Federal Governments to make the Badagry Port a success,” he added.
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