Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for closer collaboration between the state government and port operators to address the persistent traffic congestion and logistics issues along port corridors.
The governor made the appeal on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Mr. Igor van den Essen, Regional President for Africa and Europe of APM Terminals, at the Deputy Governor’s residence in Ikoyi. Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said stronger partnerships were crucial to improving efficiency around the ports and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that collaboration in key areas such as infrastructure development and community support was vital, noting that the contributions of port operators had been instrumental in helping Lagos maintain its position as Nigeria’s commercial hub.
“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 stated.
Sanwo-Olu identified the movement of trucks as a major challenge, lamenting the lack of proper tracking mechanisms once they leave the port premises.
“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 said.
Although ports fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining the surrounding infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and protect residents.
He highlighted ongoing state investments in road infrastructure and traffic management within port areas but urged port authorities to ensure that trucks remain roadworthy and meet safety requirements. He also stressed that containers must be properly secured to avoid accidents.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged private operators to work with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation to enhance pre-exit checks on trucks to promote environmental safety and compliance.
In his remarks, Mr. Igor van den Essen commended Lagos for its economic growth, 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, emphasizing that the state remains central to the company’s African operations.
Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederick Klinke, also underscored the need to modernize port infrastructure to support Lagos’ fast-paced economic development.
“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 positive impact of the Lekki Deep Seaport but noted that Lagos still has untapped potential to strengthen 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 position Nigeria as a major distribution centre for West Africa.
Klinke further pointed out that ports in Lagos face space and access limitations due to their urban locations, emphasizing the importance of developing the proposed Badagry Port over the next decade.
“We are very keen to partner with both the State and Federal Governments to make the Badagry Port a success,” he added.
