Apapa Traffic Snarl Worsens Despite NPA’s Multi-Agency Taskforce

A serious traffic gridlock, reminiscent of the chaos last seen in 2024, is fast building up along the Apapa Port corridors. The Mile 2–Ibafon Coconut axis has become a nightmare as tankers heading to nearby tank farms repeatedly block the Oshodi–Apapa Expressway.

Motorists and commuters endured harrowing experiences throughout the week, with many resorting to banned commercial motorcycles (okada) just to reach their offices and businesses.

Despite the Nigerian Ports Authority’s (NPA) announcement of a multi-agency taskforce to tackle the menace, the situation continues to deteriorate. The gridlock has crippled movement for residents, workers, commuters, and commercial buses, fueling frustration among businesses and consumers dependent on the corridor.

The crisis worsened on Friday when a container-laden truck toppled onto the footbridge near Area B Police Station, Apapa. The abandoned truck further compounded traffic, making navigation towards Ijora and Lagos Island nearly impossible.

On Thursday, floodwater engulfed the NPA headquarters annex beside the Customs Processing Centre in Apapa, obstructing access for staff and port users. Stakeholders have since urged the NPA to urgently address flooding at its facilities and restore order to the port access roads.

It will be recalled that the Authority recently launched a multi-agency taskforce in a renewed push to combat the resurgence of traffic gridlock and restore seamless cargo evacuation. However, the work of the taskforce is yet to be seen.