The Nigerian Ports Authority and key stakeholders along the Lekki Port corridor have tightened controls on truck movements as part of efforts to reduce congestion and improve the flow of cargo and commercial traffic.

The move comes amid growing pressure on the Lekki–Epe corridor, which serves the port, petroleum facilities, businesses within the Lagos Free Zone and ongoing coastal road construction. The volume and variety of traffic have increased the need for tighter coordination among port operators, truckers and government agencies.

Trucks Restricted to One Lane

As an immediate measure, the Lekki Port Manager, Emmanuel Anda, directed trucks to operate through a single lane to allow other road users to move freely.

He also ordered stricter compliance with the electronic call-up system, requiring trucks to be released only according to the capacity of terminals to receive them.

The measure is intended to prevent trucks from accumulating along the access road and creating bottlenecks that affect other road users and businesses operating along the corridor.

New Booking System Introduced

The Lekki Free Port Terminal has also introduced a one-container, one-booking system aimed at eliminating duplicate bookings and improving the management of truck entries.

Its Chief Operating Officer, Ajay Harlal Tyagi, said a radio-frequency identification system has also been deployed to strengthen access control and reduce truck turnaround times.

However, Call-Up Technology Managing Director Timi Koleolu said the agreed standard operating procedure was not being fully followed.

He urged truck operators to use designated truck parks and complete the required booking process before proceeding to the port.

Truck Parks Become a Major Focus

Stakeholders also raised concerns about the underutilisation of designated truck parks despite investments in the facilities.

The Lagos State Government has mandated the use of the electronic call-up system along the corridor, while the Ministry of Transportation is working with Lekki Worldwide Investment on an enforcement strategy to improve compliance.

Stakeholders also agreed to inspect designated truck transit parks to assess their facilities and utilisation.

Better Facilities Needed for Drivers

Beyond traffic management, the NPA called for improvements in temporary truck parks and driver welfare facilities.

These include toilets, rest areas, canteens, lighting, security and basic medical services.

Stakeholders said improving these facilities could encourage truckers to use designated parks instead of waiting along the road or attempting unauthorised access to the port.

Congestion Could Ease Within One Month

The latest measures follow earlier concerns from maritime stakeholders over worsening congestion along the Lekki Port corridor.

In September, stakeholders warned that poor enforcement of truck movement rules was affecting cargo evacuation, increasing pressure on truck parks and creating risks for businesses operating along the corridor.

The NPA expects the latest measures to produce visible improvements within one month, with continued monitoring of truck movements and compliance.

For importers, exporters, logistics companies and businesses operating around the Lekki Free Zone, reducing congestion could translate into faster cargo evacuation, shorter truck turnaround times and lower logistics-related costs.

The success of the new controls, however, will depend on consistent enforcement and cooperation among the NPA, Lagos State Government, terminal operators, truckers and other stakeholders across the Lekki logistics chain.