Lekki Port stakeholders tighten truck entry rules as congestion persists

Truck movements around the Lekki Port corridor are set to face tighter controls as the Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders seek to reduce congestion and keep access roads open to other users. Lekki Port Manager Emmanuel Anda has directed trucks to remain in a single lane and called for vehicles to be released to terminals only through the electronic call-up system, based on each terminal's ability to receive them.

The measures follow concerns over the amount and variety of traffic using the corridor, which serves Lekki Port, petroleum facilities, businesses operating within the free-zone area and ongoing coastal road construction. Anda, who convened a stakeholders' meeting at the port last week, said coordinated traffic management was necessary because several types of commercial vehicles depend on the same road network.

Lekki Free Port Terminal is also applying additional controls to truck access. Its Chief Operating Officer, Ajay Harlal Tyagi, said the terminal has introduced a system that links a single container to one booking in an effort to stop duplicate reservations. He also said radio-frequency identification technology is being used to strengthen entry controls and reduce the time trucks spend completing their movements through the terminal.

Attention is also being directed at compliance before trucks approach the port. Call-Up Technology Managing Director Timi Koleolu said the agreed operating procedures were not being fully observed. He urged truck operators to complete their bookings and remain at approved truck parks until they are authorised to proceed. Adedeji Oyedele, Head of Projects at Lekki Worldwide Investment, similarly said investments already made in truck parks need to be matched by their actual use. He noted that the Lagos State Government has required use of the electronic call-up arrangement along the corridor.

The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation is also preparing an enforcement response. Idris Seidu, representing the ministry, said existing agreements with transport unions concerning designated parking locations had not been fully respected. He said the ministry and Lekki Worldwide Investment were developing an enforcement plan aimed at improving truck movement while preserving road access for other motorists.

Stakeholders also discussed conditions at temporary and designated truck parks. Anda called for temporary facilities to be properly regulated and said drivers require basic amenities such as toilets, places to rest, food facilities, lighting, security and access to basic medical care. Concerns were additionally raised about trucks being rejected at the port gate, drivers making repeated attempts to enter through unauthorised routes and vehicles returning through one-way roads.

As part of the next phase, stakeholders agreed to inspect designated truck transit parks across the Lekki corridor to examine their condition and how effectively they are being used. Anda said he expects the congestion situation to improve within a month and indicated that follow-up with the different parties involved would continue.