NPA to clamp down on container trucks parking illegally

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the free traffic flow around the Apapa Port by issuing a strict directive against truck parking on outbound lanes of port access roads.

The NPA warned that any truck found violating this order would be impounded immediately.

The NPA highlighted the persistent challenges caused by trucks parked along Creek Road and Wharf Road after exiting the port in a statement titled.

This practice, the authority stated, has led to severe congestion, delays in cargo movement and disruption of other road users’ activities.

The NPA outlined specific actions prohibited on outbound lanes, including refuelling (buying diesel), waiting for motor boys or escorts, haulage payment or trip dispatch delays, awaiting waybills, waiting to move at night and addressing demurrage or mechanical faults.

NPA explained that the rise in import and export activities, coupled with increased vehicular movements and human activity around the port, has overstretched the capacity of the current road infrastructure.

The authority said it can no longer continue with the old system, stressing the need for better road management to avoid disruptions.

In response, the President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), Remi Ogungbemi, issued a detailed advisory to truck operators to ensure adherence to the directive.

Ogungbemi urged truck owners and drivers to adopt new operational strategies to comply with the directive.

He outlined practical steps, including fueling trucks before heading to the ports, arranging dispatch money and haulage payments beforehand, ensuring escorts or motorboys join trucks promptly, taking no more than 30 seconds to perform thorough mechanical checks and resolving potential faults in garages before heading to the port.

He also urged truck owners and drivers to address demurrage and related issues off the roads, as well as adjust operational plans to avoid falling foul of the directive.

“We must adopt new strategies to align with these changes. The time for the old system is gone. Compliance will prevent disruptions and protect our interests,” Ogungbemi stated.