PEBEC begins Lagos port corridor clean-up May 14

The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) is set to launch a critical two-day operation along the Lagos port corridor, targeting the persistent issues of congestion and traffic bottlenecks that plague the Apapa and Tin Can ports. This initiative, commencing May 14, signifies a renewed effort to streamline operations within Nigeria's busiest maritime gateway.

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According to her, congestion, unauthorised checkpoints, indiscriminate parking and uncoordinated activities along port access roads have continued to slow cargo movement and increase logistics costs.

Led by PEBEC Director-General Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the exercise will involve a multi-agency approach, bringing together the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Government, and port terminal operators. The primary objective is to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints, address indiscriminate parking, and enforce regulations to ensure smoother cargo movement and reduce escalating logistics costs.

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She said the operation would involve the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, Lagos State Government, port terminal operators and other security and regulatory agencies.

This operation underscores PEBEC's commitment to its mandate of improving Nigeria's business environment, established in 2016 to tackle bureaucratic inefficiencies. By focusing on the port corridor, PEBEC aims to enhance trade facilitation, create a more predictable environment for port users, and ultimately boost economic activity. The council emphasizes that the operation is not intended to disrupt legitimate business but to foster efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business, a crucial step for Nigeria's economic competitiveness.

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Audu added that the exercise was expected to improve traffic management, reduce cargo delays and enhance operational efficiency within Nigeria’s busiest maritime corridor.