By Ajibola Adedoye
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Truck Transit Parks Ltd (TTP) for what it described as a “remarkable transformation” in traffic management within the Apapa and Tin Can Island port corridors.
Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos, NAGAFF, led by its National Secretary, Godfrey Emeka Nwosu, representing the President High Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Ezisi, delivered an extensive appraisal of the NPA/TTP partnership, describing it as a game-changer in Nigeria’s maritime logistics sub-sector.
Traffic Congestion Now Under Control
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Recounting the previously dire state of traffic around Lagos ports, Nwosu recalled how businesses were forced to shut down or relocate due to debilitating congestion in Apapa. Property values dropped, and both federal and state governments suffered economic losses.
However, since the introduction of TTP’s digital traffic management system less than three years ago, the tides have turned. “Turnaround time for trucks has dropped from two to three weeks to under three days,” Nwosu said, citing internal data from NAGAFF’s Cargo Watch initiative.
Tangible Economic Gains
According to NAGAFF, TTP has processed over 2.7 million trucks, leading to a 65% reduction in the cost of transporting cargo to and from the ports. Cargo evacuation for key sectors such as Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and oil and gas has also improved significantly—from fewer than 50 trucks daily to over 400.
Real estate in the Apapa axis, once depressed due to congestion, is now on the rebound, and over 225 direct jobs and 500+ indirect employments have been created through the TTP’s operations.
Call for Policy Support and Sustainability
Despite the achievements, NAGAFF emphasized the need for continued government support, particularly from the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), which is yet to approve key proposals such as the electronic truck tagging (e-Tag) system.
“This e-Tag system will ensure only authorized trucks access the port, eliminating delays caused by unauthorized vehicles and poor scheduling,” said Dr. Arthur Igwillo, NAGAFF’s President Emeritus, who also responded to questions during the event.
NAGAFF urged authorities not to fall into the old habit of abandoning progress but to build upon current successes. “TTP is a Nigerian innovation solving a Nigerian problem. This is proof that local solutions can work,” Nwosu added.
Terminal Operators Under Scrutiny
While praising TTP, NAGAFF also criticized some port terminal operators for underperformance, citing outdated equipment and delays that result in high storage charges. “We cannot ignore inefficiencies inside the ports just because the roads are now cleared,” Igwillo noted.
Not a Defense, but an Appraisal
NAGAFF clarified it is not speaking on behalf of TTP but as an independent industry stakeholder conducting routine assessments of service providers. “We are not defending TTP. If they underperform tomorrow, we will say it publicly,” Nwosu stated.
Engaging with Key Government Agencies
NAGAFF disclosed that engagements are ongoing with the Nigerian Shippers Council, the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), and other relevant stakeholders to support policy decisions that can enhance traffic flow and port operations.
Conclusion
NAGAFF concluded the briefing with a call for continued media engagement, noting that the voice of the press is vital in holding authorities accountable and keeping the maritime industry on the path of growth.
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