As the Federal Government continues to push the ports modernisation programme, what strides has NPA accomplished, and when should Nigerians expect visible improvements in ports infrastructure and operations?
For instance, funding has been secured for Eastern Ports rehabilitation. The focus is now on finalising pre-construction activities, including stakeholder and host community engagement. The modernisation is a long-term project. The reconstruction phase is expected to take 48 months to accomplish, that is, four years, for Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, and project completion would be around late 2030, based on a Q3 2026 start plus 48 months.
Innovation being the backbone of modern-day business, our Digital Systems, the National Single Window (NSW) commenced operations in Q1 2026, and the Port Community System (PCS) was launched during Q1 2026.
Bear in mind the “EtTO” electronic truck call-up system is being enforced, contributing to Apapa and Tin Can, being ranked among the World Bank’s Top 20 Most Improved Ports. The programme aims to significantly boost cargo handling capacity, sharply reduce congestion and logistics costs, attract foreign investment, positioning Nigeria as a leading regional maritime hub.
While the financial groundwork is laid, Nigerians should expect physical, on-site improvements to begin, and becoming visible from late 2026 onwards, with the full transformation taking about four years to complete.4
Despite various interventions, congestion around the Lagos ports remains a concern. How does NPA intend to improve cargo evacuation and reduce delays for port users?
To tackle the persistent congestion at Lagos ports, the NPA has introduced a series of new measures for 2025-2026. These focus on enhanced enforcement, smarter digital control and a long-term strategy to redirect cargo to other ports.
In response to a resurgence of gridlock, the NPA launched a multi-agency task force to tackle illegal extortion and overlapping security duties. Members in this task force include the Police, Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), freight forwarders, the NPA and truck owners. The operations are majorly to monitor roads, resolve disruptions immediately, and avoid checkpoints that cause bottlenecks.
A dedicated WhatsApp platform enables real-time reporting, a Phased Truck Entry System – This system releases trucks in batches based on a terminal’s operational needs, rather than all-at-once. A joint task force has been clearing access roads daily since June 26, 2026, to prevent indiscriminate parking.
The Integrated Electronic Barrier System, which became operational since September 2025, is integrated with the “Eto” electronic call-up platform. It controls only trucks with valid EtTO issued tickets to access terminals.
It eliminates unauthorised entry and reduces manual interference. It also acts as a measure in revitalising the Eastern Ports. As a long term strategy to reduce long-term dependence on Lagos, the NPA plans to fully revive Delta Ports. The goal is to redirect cargo to ports like Warri to lower logistics costs and ease pressure on Lagos.
Equally, it’s a technical integration initiative through which the NPA has integrated its Revenue Invoice Management System (RIMS 2.0) with the NSW architecture. To maximise the NSW’s potential, NPA is deploying the Port Community System (PCS), which will serve as the “digital backbone” enabling seamless information exchange among all port stakeholders. Besides, the Broader Ecosystem strategy ensures the PCS acts as a digital bridge to the NSW and will eventually integrate aviation and rail logistics into a unified trade ecosystem.
Alongside the NSW and PCS, NPA is deploying targeted digital tools to optimise cargo processes, such as e-Tag verification and electronic send systems. These build on previous successes like the “EtTo” electronic truck call-up system and the Integrated Electronic Barrier System at the Lagos Port Complex.
These reforms are designed to lower costs and boost efficiency by lowering business costs, meaning the NSW will minimise human contact, eliminate duplication and reduce trade costs currently higher than regional peers.
The NSW will significantly reduce cargo clearance delays enabling all agencies to work together in harmony and eliminating further delays. Another goal is to boost transparency. The digital systems minimise physical interaction to curb corruption and improve transparency. Indeed,these reforms have already contributed to a growth in non-oil exports in the first half of 2025
By integrating its core systems with the NSW and building the digital PCS backbone, the NPA is working to create a unified, transparent and efficient trade environment. This is projected to deliver billions in economic benefits, with the goal of positioning Nigerian ports among Africa’s top three most efficient trade gateways.
With neighbouring countries investing heavily in their ports, what strategies is the NPA pursuing to make Nigerian ports more competitive and attract greater cargo traffic and private investment?