Sanwo-Olu calls for stronger collaboration on port operations, truck safety

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for a deeper collaboration between the state government and port operators to address the challenges associated with truck movements and logistics around port corridors in the state.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call while receiving the Regional President for Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, Mr Igor van den Essen, stating that both the government and port operators needed to partner on strategic areas, such as infrastructure and community development.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, while making the call at the Deputy Governor’s Residence, Osborne Road, Ikoyi, noted that port operators’ contributions had played a vital role in strengthening Lagos as Nigeria’s commercial hub.

“We understand our responsibility, and we are happy to play our part. But collaboration is key; we must work together to make sure the environment around the ports is functional and efficient.

“Various investments are going on; however, one major challenge we continue to face is the movement of trucks out of the port. When trucks leave the port, we often don’t know when or how they arrive at their destinations, and this poses safety and environmental concerns for our citizens,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated that while the ports fall under federal jurisdiction, his administration would continue to bear the responsibility of maintaining the surrounding infrastructure to ensure smooth operations and safety for residents.

The governor, while highlighting the state government’s investment in road infrastructure and traffic management around port areas, enjoined the port authority to ensure that their trucks were roadworthy.

He urged the port authority to ensure that its trucks met all required safety standards, emphasizing that containers must be properly secured to prevent accidents and ensure safety for the citizens.

Accordingly, he urged private operators to work with the state Ministry of Transportation to strengthen the process of vehicle checks before trucks exit the port, ensuring environmental safety and compliance.

Earlier in his Address, the Regional President for Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, Mr. Igor van den Essen, lauded the progress Lagos State had recorded in recent years, describing it as a strong signal of Investor’s confidence and economic resilience, even as he noted that the state was known for its significant economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and investment.

Essen further noted that Lagos had continued to serve as the cornerstone of the company’s operations in Africa, stressing that the organisation remained committed to expanding its investments in port and logistics infrastructure in the state.

“We first want to congratulate you on the fantastic economic progress we have seen in Lagos State. For us, as a terminal operator and part of a global shipping company, trade is built on the progress and trust we have in the economy, and what you have achieved here is truly impressive,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederick Klinke, highlighted the importance of modernising port infrastructure to support the rapid economic growth Lagos was witnessing.

This was just as he urged for additional expansion for Lagos to fully assume its role as a regional maritime hub, saying that Lagos must have the port infrastructure required to drive regional trade.

“While significant investments have been made, additional expansion is required for Lagos to fully assume its role as a regional maritime hub. Lagos must have the port infrastructure required to drive regional trade.

“While the Lekki Deep Seaport has helped significantly, we believe there is potential for even greater capacity to make Lagos a hub for transhipment and regional trade,” Klinke said.

Klinke also explained that APM was ready to invest in new operational capabilities that would allow larger vessels to come to Lagos ports and enable Nigeria to serve as a distribution centre for neighbouring West African countries.

The CEO, APM Terminals Nigeria, also expressed keen interest in participating in the Badagry Port Development Project, which he described as a “strategic next step” in addressing long-term capacity constraints and positioning Nigeria for sustainable trade expansion.

“Even with the progress achieved, the Lagos port, being located within the city, faces space and access constraints. Over the next decade, developing the Badagry Port will be a critical evolution, and we are very keen to partner with the State and Federal governments in making it a success,” he said.

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