Apapa Port Gridlock Returns: Trucks Block Access Road as NPA Warns on Eto Call-Up Violations By Romeonropel Lagos

The Apapa port gridlock has returned this week, with heavy duty trucks blocking the Apapa-Oshodi expressway and causing heavy traffic for port users trying to access Apapa and Tin Can Island Port Complex.

According to findings by Nigeria Anchorage on September 23, 2026, the gridlock was caused by breakdown of enforcement of the Electronic Truck Call-Up system (Eto) managed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Lagos State Government.

Trucks Blocking Apapa Road

Hundreds of trucks carrying containers and fuel tankers were seen parked along the Ijora, Costain and Mile 2 axis, waiting to enter the port without Eto tickets.

Port users and clearing agents complained that it now takes over 6 hours to access Apapa from Ijora, a journey that should take 20 minutes.

Apapa gridlock, causing more commotion to efficient service delivery in Tinca port 

One clearing agent, Mr. Emeka Okafor, to


ld Nigeria Anchorage that his truck has been on the road for two days waiting to enter Apapa Port to load imported vehicles.

NPA Warns Truck Drivers on Eto Violations

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) warned truck drivers and trucking companies to comply with the Eto call-up system or face sanctions.

The NPA said any truck found on the port access road without valid Eto call-up slip will be impounded by NPA Security and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The Authority said the Eto system was introduced to control truck movement, decongest Apapa and ensure smooth evacuation of cargo from Lagos anchorage and berths.

Impact on Lagos Anchorage Berthing

The gridlock is affecting berthing at Lagos anchorage, as terminals are unable to evacuate containers due to lack of trucks inside the port.

APM Terminals Apapa and TICT at Tin Can reported that container stacking has reached 85% capacity, forcing them to delay berthing of 5 vessels currently waiting at Lagos anchorage.

NPA Harbour Master said vessels will continue to wait at anchorage until the gridlock is cleared and terminals create space for new containers.

Lagos State Government Intervention

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Transportation, said it has deployed more LASTMA officials and set up a special task force to clear the Apapa road and enforce Eto compliance.

The government advised truck drivers to park at approved holding bays at Lilypond, Tin Can and Orile and wait for Eto notification before moving to the port.

Advice for Importers and Agents

Nigeria Anchorage advises importers and freight forwarders to:

1. Check Eto platform before sending trucks to Apapa

2. Use barges to evacuate containers from Apapa to Ikorodu and Ijora to avoid road

3. Clear cargo quickly to avoid demurrage as gridlock may last 3-4 days

The NPA assured that normalcy will return to Apapa access road within 48 hours.

For daily Apapa gridlock and Lagos anchorage updates, follow Nigeria Anchorage at https://nigeriaanchorage.blogspot.com



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