The Federal Government through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has commenced the demolition of shanties and extortion points leading to the Lagos ports, to enhance trade facilitation and improve the security and safety of port users in the state.
A statement by the authority said the operation, which commenced on Sunday, would be carried out by the joint efforts of operatives of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Nigerian Police, security department of the NPA, and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority.
Addressing journalists on the development, the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the port areas were supposed to be secured and should uphold its international outlook.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Head of Operations, Lagos State Special Traffic Management Committee, Hassan Adekoya, said, “Lagos State government is committed to uplift the standard of the ports in Lagos and ensure all encumbrances inimical to trade facilitation are removed.
“I am supporting this initiative by the NPA because the Lagos ports are a reflection of the state and we must do all within our powers to support the management of the NPA to keep the environment clean safe and secure.
“We will keep clearing them until they get the message of government efforts in wanting to sanitise the ports in Lagos.”
He said that the week-long operation would start from Apapa Port Complex down to Lilypond, then inward Apapa to Tin-Can first to second gates and then Kirikiri Lighter Terminal one and two.
