NIGERIA’S Apapa and Tin Can Island port access roads are plagued by extortion, with truckers and cargo owners reportedly losing over ₦85 billion annually at 34 checkpoints. State-backed actors and unauthorized personnel demand bribes, adding to logistics costs and affecting consumer prices.
Daily collections at checkpoints are an estimated ₦15 million, with fees reaching ₦300,000 for some trucks.
Industry leaders have expressed concerns that the escalating costs of moving goods from ports are forcing many importers out of business, ultimately affecting consumer prices. Elimination of illegal checkpoints could significantly enhance trade competitiveness and decrease logistics expenses, they noted.
A joint enforcement team has been established by the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Police Force, and Lagos State Government to dismantle illegal checkpoints. However, only time will tell if the clean-up directives will make much impact