Thousands of commuters, truck drivers and business owners were caught in hours-long traffic congestion after a severe gridlock brought movement to a standstill along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, one of Nigeria’s most critical transport and trade corridors.
The disruption affected the Mile 2, Tin Can and Apapa routes, where long lines of fuel tankers and container trucks blocked major sections of the highway leading to the country’s busiest seaports. Journeys that normally take less than an hour stretched into several hours, leaving commuters stranded and businesses struggling with costly delays.
Transport operators, residents and industry stakeholders blamed the crisis on poor coordination among agencies responsible for managing traffic and port operations, indiscriminate parking by tanker drivers, inadequate road infrastructure and the increasing number of trucks seeking access to fuel depots and port terminals.
According to eyewitnesses, congestion worsened after hundreds of empty fuel tankers gathered around several tank farms to load petroleum products. As trucks queued along the corridor, entrances and exits to key facilities became blocked, preventing loaded vehicles from leaving and triggering a chain reaction that spread across the expressway.
Truck owners and customs agents said the persistent congestion is disrupting cargo movement, increasing transport costs and slowing commercial activities around Nigeria’s busiest maritime gateway. Many argued that stronger coordination between port authorities, traffic agencies and transport unions is urgently needed to prevent similar disruptions.
Officials managing the electronic truck call-up system clarified that petroleum tankers are not yet integrated into the platform, rejecting claims that the technology was responsible for the latest gridlock.
Residents also linked the worsening traffic to the commencement of operations at a new terminal in the Kirikiri area, saying the additional truck movement has placed even greater pressure on already overstretched roads.
Security personnel and traffic officials spent several hours attempting to restore order as many truck drivers ignored traffic directives, making congestion even more difficult to control.
Businesses operating around the corridor reported significant financial losses as deliveries were delayed and commercial activities slowed dramatically. Commercial drivers also complained that prolonged delays increased operating costs and reduced daily earnings.
Later in the day, officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), supported by security agencies, cleared several obstructing trucks, allowing traffic to gradually resume after hours of paralysis.
Authorities said investigations suggest the overwhelming influx of petroleum tankers into tank farms played a major role in the congestion. They warned operators against allowing trucks to obstruct public roads and promised stricter enforcement measures.
The latest disruption has once again exposed the long-standing transport and logistics challenges facing Nigeria’s busiest port corridor. Analysts say only coordinated action involving the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Lagos State Government, security agencies, terminal operators and transport unions can deliver a lasting solution to the recurring traffic crisis threatening one of Africa’s most important commercial gateways.
Tags: Nigeria, Lagos Traffic, Apapa Port
