By Njoku Chijioke
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to address the growing congestion at APM Terminals (APMT), in Apapa, Lagos.
This move follows increasing public concern over the delayed evacuation of empty containers, which has disrupted port operations and hampered efficiency.
During the meeting, key players including major shipping lines and APMT officials discussed the root causes of the congestion and agreed on immediate corrective actions.
APMT attributed the congestion to a recent surge in import and export volumes, alongside shipping lines’ delays in evacuating empty containers.
However, shipping lines pointed to APMT’s simultaneous gate closures as a major contributor to the gridlock.
To improve coordination, APMT will begin providing regular yard stock updates to shipping lines to enhance planning and communication.
The terminal will now issue a five-day initial notice, a three-day reminder, and a final one-day notice before any gate closures.
Additionally, APMT will relocate import containers to off-dock terminals to ease the burden on the main terminal yard.
The NPA has also committed to conducting active inspections of shipping lines’ holding bays to better understand their operational capacity and to support more efficient container management.
Adebowale Lawal, Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, stressed the urgency of improved coordination among all port stakeholders to mitigate the rising congestion.
Steen Knudsen, Manager of APMT Apapa, explained that the growing volume of imports has forced shipping lines to prioritize discharge over the evacuation of empties, thereby contributing to the buildup.
The NPA and all stakeholders pledged to work together to ensure the full implementation of the resolutions.
The collaborative effort aims to reduce congestion, improve communication, and maximize the use of holding bays and bonded terminals for smoother and more efficient port operations.
