Lagos, Nigeria – The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has announced plans to launch a two-day clean-up and enforcement operation along the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors on May 14-15, 2026. This initiative, overseen by PEBEC’s Ports and Customs Efficiency Committee (PCEC), aims to restore order to Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateways while supporting the Federal Government’s broader agenda of enhancing trade facilitation, transparency, and investor confidence.
In a statement from PEBEC Director-General Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, the council outlined that the operation will address a range of persistent issues affecting the corridors. These issues include chronic traffic congestion, illegal checkpoints, indiscriminate truck parking, environmental degradation, and other unregulated activities that have increased the cost of doing business and delayed cargo movement. Audu emphasized that “the operation is a concrete step toward a more efficient, secure, and business-friendly port environment.” The primary goals are to reduce delays, improve traffic flow, and enhance sanitation for all port users by removing illegal structures, clearing obstructed roadways, and tightening enforcement.
The clean-up will involve a coordinated effort among various stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Government, terminal operators, relevant unions, and other security and regulatory bodies. Participants will work together to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints, enforce parking regulations, and remove debris and waste that have accumulated along access roads. This initiative has garnered positive feedback from stakeholders. A senior official at the Nigerian Ports Authority, who wished to remain anonymous, described the corridors as “critical logistics arteries” and noted that the operation could significantly reduce turnaround times for both vessels and trucks. Representatives from the Lagos State Union of Transport Operators also expressed optimism, highlighting that smoother traffic would benefit both formal and informal market participants.
In addition to immediate traffic improvements, PEBEC has pointed out the environmental benefits of the clean-up. The removal of illegal dumping sites and the enforcement of proper waste-management practices are expected to reduce pollution in the densely populated port districts, contributing to a healthier urban environment. The council indicated that this exercise will also serve as a platform for enhancing collaboration among the various agencies operating within the port ecosystem. By aligning enforcement actions and sharing intelligence, the participants aim to create a more cohesive security framework that can deter future illegal activities.
If successful, the May operation could serve as a model for similar interventions at other Nigerian ports, reinforcing the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s trade infrastructure. Observers will be closely monitoring the situation to determine whether the short-term clean-up leads to lasting improvements in cargo handling efficiency, cost reductions for importers and exporters, and a more attractive investment climate for the maritime sector.
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