Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged port operators and the state government to collaborate more deeply on tackling incessant traffic gridlock and logistics challenges in Apapa, Lagos.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 5th, during a visit by Igor van den Essen, APM Terminals’ Regional Managing Director for Africa and Europe, the Governor stressed the need for a unified approach to infrastructure and community support efforts. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, acknowledged the operators’ contributions to maintaining Lagos’ commercial status.
“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.
Governor Sanwo-Olu specifically identified the unregulated movement of trucks beyond the port corridors as a major operational and safety challenge. He expressed concern over the inability to track vehicles once they exit the ports.
“When trucks leave the port, we often don’t know when or how they arrive at their destinations,” the Governor stated. “This poses safety and environmental concerns for our citizens.”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining surrounding infrastructure, despite the ports falling under federal jurisdiction. He emphasized the state’s investments in road infrastructure and traffic management but stressed that port authorities must ensure all trucks are roadworthy and compliant with safety standards. Sanwo-Olu also called for containers to be properly secured to prevent accidents.
He urged private operators to collaborate closely with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to strengthen pre-exit vehicle checks, thereby enhancing environmental safety and compliance.
Earlier, Mr. Igor van den Essen, APM Terminals’ Regional Managing Director for Africa and Europe, 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
