Apapa Gridlock: NPA’s Propaganda, Failure Of TTP, And The Rest Of Us

 By Ewrhujakpor Godfrey Bivbere

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – February 11, 2026: The persistent gridlock in Apapa has reignited debates over accountability, with stakeholders pointing fingers at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the Truck Transit Park, TTP, Terminal Operators and systemic inefficiencies that continue to plague Nigeria’s busiest port corridor.

Despite repeated assurances from the NPA that traffic management measures were yielding results, residents and port users argue that the situation on Wharf Road, Creek Road, and Warehouse Road tells a different story. 

Trucks continue to line up indiscriminately, blocking access routes and forcing commuters into dangerous maneuvers.

Critics accuse the NPA of overstating its successes, pointing to the persistent congestion as evidence that enforcement remains weak.

The Truck Transit Park platform, designed to regulate truck movements through electronic call-up tickets, has been faulted for inefficiencies and loopholes that allow unauthorized trucks to clog the roads.

Beyond agencies, the broader ecosystem—including terminal operators, truck owners, and enforcement bodies—has been blamed for failing to coordinate effectively.

Last year, Lagos Port Complex officials announced plans to audit Wharf Road to weed out trucks without valid delivery orders, stressing that enforcement by LASTMA, NPA and officials of the Nigeria Police will be critical. 

Three months after, the situation is even worse as the inward route to Apapa port on Wharf has been completely taken over by stationary trucks.

Head of Corporate Communication at TTP, Nancy Nnamdi, insists the platform remains functional, blaming terminal operators for slow clearance of trucks.

While the blame game, claims and counter claims are being brandished, motorists and residents lament that temporary relief measures often collapse within weeks, leaving them trapped in recurring cycles of congestion.

The Apapa gridlock highlights the enduring challenge of port access management in Lagos. While reforms such as the ETO ticketing system and road audits are underway, experts argue that only sustained enforcement, transparency, and collaboration among all stakeholders can break the cycle of chaos.

For now, the gridlock remains a symbol of Nigeria’s struggle to balance trade facilitation with infrastructure and governance realities.