By Cynthia Alo

In a move to eliminate congestion, security threats, and environmental hazards along the Lagos port corridors, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced a full-scale three-day clean-up and sensitisation operation.

This exercise, tagged “NPA Security Clearance Operations 2025,” aims to tackle the various issues hindering smooth operations at the ports and pave the way for a better future of greater port efficiency.

The operation tagged, ‘NPA Security Clearance Operations 2025’, flagged off in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and security agencies, covers all approaches to the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I & II, and surrounding areas.

According to NPA, the initiative is aimed at restoring order, enhancing trade facilitation, and ensuring compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Speaking at the flag off,Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who was represented by the General Manager, Security, Mr. Anthony Edosomwan said the goal is to clear out criminal elements, miscreants, hoodlums, shanties, kiosks, machinery, equipment, and containers that obstruct the free flow of traffic and pose a threat to the safety of personnel, cargo, and vessels.

He said : “The Ports’ access roads and environs are international corridors, and the gateway to the national economy. we have a duty to enter into necessary collaborations to ensure sanity is maintained”.
“The operations will not only improve the safety and security of the ports but also contribute to the economic growth of the nation. The congestion and delays caused by these issues have been a major hindrance to the efficient functioning of ports, affecting trade facilitation and ultimately, the nation’s GDP.”

“This is a crucial step in garnering support and cooperation from all stakeholders, including port users, traders, and residents in the surrounding areas,” he said.

“Indeed, the negative impact of pollution and encroachment on the ports cannot be ignored. This clean-up operation is not only beneficial to the ports’ operations but also to the surrounding communities and the environment as a whole.”

“Management, therefore, calls on all and sundry to support and cooperate with this clean-up operation for a safer, more secure, and environmentally-friendly port environment.”