APAPA’S EXTORTION POINTS AND TRAFFIC LOGJAM

For nearly two decades, the access roads to Nigeria's Tincan and Apapa seaports have been paralyzed by a constant stream of container trucks, trailers, and petroleum tankers. These vehicles often disregard regulations, parking and queuing on any available space due to a lack of truck holding bays. This has resulted in a daily gridlock that defies solutions.

The impossible traffic conditions are crippling commercial and industrial activities in and around Apapa. The difficulties in moving goods out of the ports significantly increase their cost. Furthermore, the hours commuters spend in traffic daily negatively impact their health and productivity.

Past efforts to resolve the situation, including a task force under the previous administration, have failed to bring lasting change. The area remains an environmental nightmare. While some improvements have been attempted in recent years, illegal extortion points have emerged, fueling the logjam and making a free flow of traffic practically impossible. Motorists endure unbearable hours on the road, with journeys that should take 30 minutes extending for hours due to indiscriminately parked trucks.